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SOUTH-AFRICAN 
FOLK-TALES 



SOUTH-AFRICAN 
FOLK-TALES 



BY 
JAMES A. HONEY, M.D. 

4 ft orvu^ ^ j 



New York 

THE BAKER & TAYLOR COMPANY 

1910 



COPYEIGHT, 1910, BY 

THE BAKER & TAYLOR COMPANY 



Published, November, 1910 






THE TROW PKESS, NEW YORK 



^C!.A2?59G, 



AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 
TO 

C. F. H. AND F. I. G. 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 



Introduction 1 

Origin of the Difference in Modes of 
Life Between Hottentots and Bush- 
men 

The Lost Message 

The Monkey's Fiddle 

The Tiger, the Ram, and the Jackal 

The Jackal and the Wolf 

A Jackal and a Wolf 

The Lion, the Jackal, and the Man 

The World's Reward 

The Lion and the Jackal 

Tink-tinkje .... 

The Lion and Jackal 

The Lion and Jackal 

The Hunt of Lion and Jackal 

[vii] 



8 
10 
14 
19 



25 
28 
33 
42 
45 
48 
53 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Story of Lion and Little Jackal 5Q 

The Lioness and the Ostrich . . 62 

Crocodile's Treason 64 

The Story of a Dam . . . . . 73 

The Dance for Water or Rabbits' 
Triumph 79 

Jackal and Monkey ..... 84 

Lion's Share .87 

Jackal's Bride 92 

The Story of Hare ..... 94 

The White Man and Snake . . . 101 

Another Version of the Same Fable 103 

Cloud Eating 105 

Lion's Illness 107 

Jackal, Dove, and Heron. . . . 109 

Cock and Jackal Ill 

Elephant and Tortoise . . . .112 

Another Version of the Same Fable 115 

Tortoise Hunting Ostriches . . . 117 

The Judgment of Baboon . . .118 

Lion and Baboon 121 

[viii] 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Zebra Stallion 122 

When Lion Could Fly .... 124 

Lion Who Thought Himself Wiser Than 

His Mother 126 

Lion Who Took a Woman's Shape . 129 

Why Has Jackal a Long Black Stripe 

ON His Back? 137 

Horse Cursed by Sun .... 138 

Lion's Defeat 139 

The Origin of Death 141 

Another Version of the Same Fable 143 

A Third Version of the Same Fable . 144 

A Fourth Version of the Same Fable 146 

A Zulu Version of the Legend of the 

"Origin of Death" .... 147 

Literature on South- African Folk-Lore 148 



[ix] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN 
FOLK-TALES 



INTRODUCTION 

IN presenting these stories, which are of deep 
interest and value to South Africans, I 
hope they may prove of some value to 
those Americans who have either an interest in 
animals or who appreciate the folklore of other 
countries. 

Many of these tales have appeared among 
English collections previous to 1880, others 
have been translated from the Dutch, and a few 
have been written from childhood remembrance. 
Consequently they do not pretend to be orig- 
inal or unique. Care has been taken not to spoil 
the ethnological value for the sake of form or 
structure; and in all cases they are as nearly 
like the original as a translation from one tongue 
to another will allow. They are all South- Afri- 
can folklore tales and mainly from the Bush- 
men. Some are perverted types from what were 
originally Bushmen tales, but have been taken 

[ 1 ] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

over by Hottentots or Zulus ; a few are from the 
Dutch. Most of these last named will show a 
European influence, especially French. 

Some of the animal stories have appeared in 
American magazines under the author's name, 
but this is the first time that a complete collec- 
tion has appeared since Dr. Bleek published his 
stories in 1864. The object has been to keep 
the stories apart from those which have a mytho- 
logical or religious significance, and especially 
to keep it an animal collection free from those 
in which man appears to take a part. 

There will be found several versions of the 
same story, and as far as possible these will be 
put in the order of their importance in relation 
to the original. The author does not pretend to 
be an authority on South-African folklore, but 
has only a South-African-born interest in what 
springs from that country of sunshine. It is a 
difficult task to attempt to trace the origin of 
these stories, as there is no country where there 
have been so many distinct and primitive races 
dwelling together. 

The Bushmen seem to trace back to the earli- 
[ 2 ] 



INTRODUCTION 

est Egyptian days, when dwarfs were pictured 
on the tombs of the kings and were a distinct 
race. From then until now it has been their 
pride to say that before men were men, they 
were; or, to put it clearer, before Africa was 
inhabited by other races, they were there. As 
represented by some of these stories of the 
Bushmen, what races have not, then, had their 
influence on the folklore? According to Stow, 
they were a wandering primitive race of small 
men, painters and sculptors, hunters and herds- 
men, and withal a race showing traces of won- 
derful reasoning and adaptability, with a keen 
sense of justice and a store of pride. Mytho- 
logical some of their stories are, but whether this 
is due to the influence of the Hottentots, a later 
race, it is difficult to say. And, lastly, there 
are the Kaffirs spread over the whole of South 
Africa, domineering, but backward. The varied 
influences which may have affected these stories 
before they reached us show what enormous 
possibilities there are for error in tracing the 
origin of the animal tales here presented. Bleek 
finds that a greater congeniality exists between 
[3] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TA^^ES 

the Hottentot and European mind than is found 
between the latter and any other of the black 
races of Africa. Whether he means that this 
indicates a European origin of the fables, I can- 
not say. There is no doubt in my mind that 
the Bushmen came from the north and were the 
primitive race of south and tropical Africa, the 
dwarfs of Livingstone, Stanley, and other ex- 
plorers. Considering, then, the great antiquity 
of this race, it naturally follows that if these 
stories are not original with the Bushmen, they 
are at least so modified as to bear no resemblance 
to Egyptian, Phoenician, or any other ancient 
race which the Bushmen may have come in con- 
tact with. Herodotus described a race on the 
upper Nile which corresponds with later descrip- 
tions of the Bushmen in tropical and southern 
Africa. 

I agree with what the South-African Folklore 
Journal stated twenty years or more ago, that 
with the " vast strides South Africa is mak- 
ing in the progress of civilization, the native 
races will either be swept away or so altered 
as to lose many of their ancient habits, cus- 
[4] 



INTRODUCTION 

toms, traditions, or at least greatly to modify 
them." 

Knowing that by a collection of this kind 
these stories could best be preserved, and feel- 
ing that others had not read them, I began this 
collection ten years ago. There is so much done 
now to preserve what is still Bushmen folklore 
that I feel this small volume is indeed only a 
small addition to the folklore world. 

" South- African folklore is," the South-Af- 
rican Folklore Journal says, " in its very na- 
ture plain, and primitive in its simplicity; not 
adorned with the wealth of palaces and precious 
stones to be met with in the folklore of more 
civilized nations, but descriptive in great meas- 
ure of the events of everyday life, among those 
in a low state of civilization; and with the ex- 
ception of evidences of moral qualities, and of 
such imagery as is connected with the phenom- 
ena of nature, very little that is grand or mag- 
nificent must be looked for in it." 

Bain gives a story related by a Kaffir which 
shows " the distribution of animals after the 
creation." This story could not become typ- 
[5 ] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

ically Kaffir until after the Kaffir came in con- 
tact with the European in the last two or three 
hundred years. However, the story will serve 
to illustrate the people whose stories appear in 
this volume and to close the Introduction. 

Teco, in Kaffir, is the Supreme Being. Teco 
had every description of stock and property. 

There were three nations created, viz., the 
Whites, the Amakosa, or Kaffirs, and the Ama- 
louw, or Hottentots. A day was appointed for 
them to appear before the Teco to receive what- 
ever he might apportion to each tribe. While 
they were assembling, a honey bird, or honey 
guide, came fluttering by, and all the Hotten- 
tots ran after it, whistling and making the pe- 
culiar noise they generally do while following 
this wonderful little bird. The Teco remon- 
strated with them about their behavior, but to 
no purpose. He thereupon denounced them as 
a vagrant race that would have to exist on wild 
roots and honey beer, and possess no stock what- 
ever. 

When the fine herds of cattle were brought, 
the Kaffirs became very much excited~the one 
[6] 



INTRODUCTION 

exclaiming, " That black and white cow is 
mine ! " and another, " That red cow and black 
bull are mine ! " and so on, till at last the Teco, 
whose patience had been severely taxed by their 
shouts and unruly behavior, denounced them as 
a restless people, who would only possess cattle. 
The Whites patiently waited until they re- 
ceived cattle, horses, sheep, and all sorts of 
property. Hence, the old Kaffir observed, " You 
Whites have got everything. We Kaffirs have 
only cattle, while the Amalouw, or Hottentots, 
have nothing." 

James A. Honey. 

Cambridge, Mass., June, 1910. 



[7] 



ORIGIN OF THE DIFFERENCE 
IN MODES OF LIFE BETWEEN 
HOTTENTOTS AND BUSHMEN 

IN the beginning there were two. One was 
blind, the other was always hunting. This 
hunter found at last a hole in the earth 
from which game proceeded and killed the 
young. The blind man, feeling and smelling 
them, said, " They are not game, but cattle." 

The blind man afterwards recovered his sight, 
and going with the hunter to this hole, saw 
that they were cows with their calves. He then 
quickly built a kraal (fence made of thorns) 
round them, and anointed himself, just as Hot- 
tentots (in their native state) are still wont 
to do. 

When the other, who now with great trouble 

had to seek his game, came and saw this, he 

wanted to anoint himself also. " Look here ! " 

said the other, " you must throw the ointment 

[ 8 ] 



HOTTENTOTS AND BUSHMEN 

into the fire, and afterwards use it." He fol- 
lowed this advice, and the flames flaring up into 
his face, burnt him most miserably; so that he 
was glad to make his escape. The other, how- 
ever, called to him : " Here, take the kirri ( a 
knobstick), and run to the hills to hunt there 
for honey." 

Hence sprung the race of Bushmen. 



[9] 



THE LOST MESSAGE 

THE ant has had from time immemorial 
many enemies, and because he is small 
and destructive, there have been a 
great many slaughters among them. Not only 
were most of the birds their enemies, but Ant- 
eater lived almost wholly from them, and Centi- 
pede beset them every time and at all places 
when he had the chance. 

So now there were a few among them who 
thought it would be well to hold council together 
and see if they could not come to some arrange- 
ment whereby they could retreat to some place 
of safety when attacked by robber birds and 
animals. 

But at the gathering their opinions were 
most discordant, and they could come to no 
decision. 

There was Red-ant, Rice-ant, Black-ant, 
[10] 



THE LOST MESSAGE 

Wagtail-ant, Graj-ant, Shining-ant, and many 
other varieties. The discussion was a true babel 
of diversity, which continued for a long time 
and came to nothing. 

A part desired that they should all go into 
a small hole in the ground, and live there; 
another part wanted to have a large and strong 
dwelling built on the ground, where nobody 
could enter but an ant ; still another wanted 
to dwell in trees, so as to get rid of Anteater, 
forgetting entirely that there they would be the 
prey of birds ; another part seemed inclined to 
have wings and fly. 

And, as has already been said, this delibera- 
tion amounted to nothing, and each party re- 
solved to go to work in its own way, and on 
its own responsibility. 

Greater unity than that which existed in 
each separate faction could be seen nowhere 
in the world; each had his appointed task, 
each did his work regularly and well. And all 
worked together in the same way. From among 
them they chose a king — that is to say some 
of the groups did — and they divided the la- 

[11] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

bor so that all went as smoothly as it possibly 
could. 

But each group did it in its own way, and 
not one of them thought of protecting them- 
selves against the onslaught of birds or Ant- 
eater. 

The Red-ants built their house on the ground 
and lived under it, but Anteater leveled to the 
ground in a minute what had cost them many 
days of precious labor. The Rice-ants lived un- 
der the ground, and with them it went no better. 
For whenever they came out, Anteater visited 
them and took them out sack and pack. The 
Wagtail-ants fled to the trees, but there on many 
occasions sat Centipede waiting for them, or the 
birds gobbled them up. The Gray-ants had in- 
tended to save themselves from extermination 
by taking to flight, but this also availed them 
nothing, because the Lizard, the Hunting-spider, 
and the birds went a great deal faster than 
they. 

When the Insect-king heard that they could 
come to no agreement he sent them the secret 
of unity, and the message of Work-together. 
[12] 



THE LOST MESSAGE 

But unfortunately he chose for his messenger 
the Beetle, and he has never yet arrived at the 
Ants, so that they are still to-day the embodi- 
ment of discord and consequently the prey of 
enemies. 



[13] 



THE MONKEY'S FIDDLE 

HUNGER and want forced Monkey one 
day to forsake his land and to seek 
elsewhere among strangers for much- 
needed work. Bulbs, earth beans, scorpions, in- 
sects, and such things were completely exhausted 
in his own land. But fortunately he received, 
for the time being, shelter with a great uncle of 
his, Orang Outang, who lived in another part 
of the country. 

When he had worked for quite a while he 
wanted to return home, and as recompense his 
great uncle gave him a fiddle and a bow and 
arrow and told him that with the bow and ar- 
row he could hit and kill anything he desired, 
and with the fiddle he could force anything to 
dance. 

The first he met upon his return to his own 
land was Brer Wolf. This old fellow told him 
all the news and also that he had since early 
[14] 



THE MONKEY'S FIDDLE 

morning been attempting to stalk a deer, but all 
in vain. 

Then Monkey laid before him all the won- 
ders of the bow and arrow that he carried on 
his back and assured him if he could but see 
the deer he would bring it down for him. When 
Wolf showed him the deer. Monkey was ready 
and down fell the deer. 

They made a good meal together, but instead 
of Wolf being thankful, jealousy overmastered 
him and he begged for the bow and arrow. 
When Monkey refused to give it to him, he 
thereupon began to threaten him with his great- 
er strength, and so when Jackal passed by. Wolf 
told him that Monkey had stolen his bow and 
arrow. After Jackal had heard both of them, 
he declared himself unqualified to settle the 
case alone, and he proposed that they bring 
the matter to the court of Lion, Tiger, and the 
other animals. In the meantime he declared he 
would take possession of what had been the 
cause of their quarrel, so that it would be safe, 
as he said. But he immediately brought to 
earth all that was eatable, so there was a long 
[15] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

time of slaughter before Monkey and Wolf 
agreed to have the affair in court. 

Monkey's evidence was weak, and to make it 
worse, Jackal's testimony was against him. 
Jackal thought that in this way it would be 
easier to obtain the bow and arrow from Wolf 
for himself. 

And so fell the sentence against Monkey. 
Theft was looked upon as a great wrong; he 
must hang. 

The fiddle was still at his side, and he received 
as a last favor from the court the right to play 
a tune on it. 

He was a master player of his time, and in 
addition to this came the wonderful power of 
his charmed fiddle. Thus, when he struck the 
first note of " Cockcrow " upon it, the court 
began at once to show an unusual and spon- 
taneous liveliness, and before he came to the 
first waltzing turn of the old tune the whole 
court was dancing like a whirlwind. 

Over and over, quicker and quicker, sounded 
the tune of " Cockcrow " on the charmed fiddle, 
until some of the dancers, exhausted, fell down, 
[16] 



THE MONKEY'S FIDDLE 

although still keeping their feet in motion. But 
Monkey, musician as he was, heard and saw 
nothing of what had happened around him. 
With his head placed lovingly against the in- 
strument, and his eyes half closed, he played 
on, keeping time ever with his foot. 

Wolf was the first to cry out in pleading tones 
breathlessly, " Please stop. Cousin Monkey ! 
For love's sake, please stop ! " 

But Monkey did not even hear him. Over and 
over sounded the resistless waltz of " Cockcrow." 

After a while Lion showed signs of fatigue, 
and when he had gone the round once more with 
his young lion wife, he growled as he passed 
Monkey, " My whole kingdom is yours, ape, if 
you just stop playing." 

" I do not want it," answered Monkey, " but 
withdraw the sentence and give me my bow and 
arrow, and you. Wolf, acknowledge that you 
stole it from me." 

" I acknowledge, I acknowledge ! " cried Wolf, 
while Lion cried, at the same instant, that he 
withdrew the sentence. 

Monkey gave them just a few more turns 
[17] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

of the " Cockcrow," gathered up his bow and 
arrow, and seated himself high up in the nearest 
camel thorn tree. 

The court and other animals were so afraid 
that he might begin again that they hastily dis- 
banded to new parts of the world. 



[18] 



THE TIGER, THE RAM, AND 
THE JACKAL 

TIGER (leopard) was returning home 
from hunting on one occasion, when he 
Hghted on the kraal of Ram. Now, 
Tiger had never seen Ram before, and accord- 
ingly, approaching submissively, he said, " Good 
day, friend ! What may your name be ? " 

The other in his gruff voice, and striking his 
breast with his forefoot, said, " I am Ram. Who 
are you? " 

" Tiger," answered the other, more dead than 
alive, and then, taking leave of Ram, he ran 
home as fast as he could. 

Jackal lived at the same place as Tiger did, 
and the latter going to him, said, " Friend 
Jackal, I am quite out of breath, and am half 
dead with fright, for I have just seen a terrible 
looking fellow, with a large and thick head, and 
[19] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

on my asking him what his name was, he an- 
swered, " I am Ram." 

" What a foolish fellow you are," cried 
Jackal, " to let such a nice piece of flesh stand ! 
Why did you do so? But we shall go to-morrow 
and eat it together." 

Next day the two set off for the kraal of 
Ram, and as they appeared over a hill. Ram, 
who had turned out to look about him, and was 
calculating where he should that day crop a 
tender salad, saw them, and he immediately went 
to his wife and said, " I fear this is our last day, 
for Jackal and Tiger are both coming against 
us. What shall we do? " 

" Don't be afraid," said the wife, " but take 
up the child in your arms, go out with it, and 
pinch it to make it cry as if it were hungry." 
Ram did so as the confederates came on. 

No sooner did Tiger cast his eyes on Ram 
than fear again took possession of him, and he 
wished to turn back. Jackal had provided 
against this, and made Tiger fast to himself 
with a leathern thong, and said, " Come on," 
when Ram cried in a loud voice, and pinching 
[20] 



THE TIGER, THE RAM, THE JACKAL 

his child at the same time, " You have done 
well, Friend Jackal, to have brought us Tiger 
to eat, for you hear how my child is crying for 
food." 

On these dreadful words Tiger, notwithstand- 
ing the entreaties of Jackal to let him go, to 
let him loose, set off in the greatest alarm, 
dragged Jackal after him over hill and valley, 
through bushes and over rocks, and never 
stopped to look behind him till he brought back 
himself and half-dead Jackal to his place again. 
And so Ram escaped. 



[21] 



THE JACKAL AND THE WOLF 

ONCE on a time Jackal, who lived on 
the borders of the colony, saw a 
wagon returning from the seaside 
laden with fish; he tried to get into the wagon 
from behind, but he could not; he then ran on 
before and lay in the road as if dead. The 
wagon came up to him, and the leader cried to 
the driver, " Here is a fine kaross for your 
wife!" 

" Throw it into the wagon," said the driver, 
and Jackal was thrown in. 

The wagon traveled on, through a moonlight 
night, and all the while Jackal was throwing 
out the fish into the road; he then jumped out 
himself and secured a great prize. But stupid 
old Wolf (hyena), coming by, ate more than his 
share, for which Jackal owed him a grudge, and 
he said to him, " You can get plenty of fish, 
[22] 



THE JACKAL AND THE WOLF 

too, if you lie in the way of a wagon as I did, 
and keep quite still whatever happens." 

" So ! " mumbled Wolf. 

Accordingly, when the next wagon came from 
the sea, Wolf stretched himself out in the road. 
" What ugly thing is this ? " cried the leader, 
and kicked Wolf. He then took a stick and 
thrashed him within an inch of his life. Wolf, 
according to the directions of Jackal, lay quiet 
as long as he could ; he then got up and hobbled 
off to tell his misfortune to Jackal, who pre- 
tended to comfort him. 

" What a pity," said Wolf, " I have not got 
such a handsome skin as you have ! " 



[23] 



A JACKAL AND A WOLF 

JACKAL and Wolf went and hired them- 
selves to a man to be his servants. In 
the middle of the night Jackal rose and 
smeared Wolf's tail with some fat, and then ate 
all the rest of it in the house. In the morning 
the man missed the fat, and he immediately ac- 
cused Jackal of having eaten it. " Look at 
Wolf's tale," said the rogue, " and you will see 
who is the thief." The man did so, and then 
thrashed Wolf till he was nearly dead. 



[24] 



THE LION, THE JACKAL, AND 
THE MAN 

IT so happened one day that Lion and Jack- 
al came together to converse on affairs of 
land and state. Jackal, let me say, was 
the most important adviser to the king of the 
forest, and after they had spoken about these 
matters for quite a while, the conversation took 
a more personal turn. 

Lion began to boast and talk big about his 
strength. Jackal had, perhaps, given him cause 
for it, because by nature he was a flatterer. But 
now that Lion began to assume so many airs, 
said he, " See here. Lion, I will show you an 
animal that is still more powerful than you are." 

They walked along. Jackal leading the way, 
and met first a little boy. 

" Is this the strong man.^^ " asked Lion. 

" No," answered Jackal, " he must still be- 
come a man, O king." 

After a while they found an old man walking 
[25] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

with bowed head and supporting his bent figure 
with a stick. 

" Is this the wonderful strong man ? " asked 
Lion. 

" Not yet, O king," was Jackal's answer, " he 
has been a man." 

Continuing their walk a short distance far- 
ther, they came across a young hunter, in the 
prime of youth, and accompanied by some of 
his dogs. 

" There you have him now, O king," said 
Jackal. " Pit your strength against his, and if 
you win, then truly you are the strength of 
the earth." 

Then Jackal made tracks to one side toward 
a little rocky kopje from which he would be able 
to see the meeting. 

Growling, growling, Lion strode forward to 
meet the man, but when he came close the dogs 
beset him. He, however, paid but little atten- 
tion to the dogs, pushed and separated them 
on all sides with a few sweeps of his front paws. 
They howled aloud, beating a hasty retreat 
toward the man. 

[26] 



THE LION, THE JACKAL, THE MAN 

Thereupon the man fired a charge of shot, 
hitting him behind the shoulder, but even to 
this Lion paid but httle attention. There- 
upon the hunter pulled out his steel knife, and 
gave him a few good jabs. Lion retreated, fol- 
lowed by the flying bullets of the hunter. 

" Well, are you strongest now? " was Jackal's 
first question when Lion arrived at his side. 

'* No, Jackal," answered Lion, " let that fel- 
low there keep the name and welcome. Such as 
he I have never before seen. In the first place he 
had about ten of his bodyguard storm me. I 
really did not bother myself much about them, 
but when I attempted to turn him to chaff, 
he spat and blew fire at me, mostly into my 
face, that burned just a little but not very 
badly. And when I again endeavored to pull 
him to the ground he jerked out from his body 
one of his ribs with which he gave me some very 
ugly wounds, so bad that I had to make chips 
fly, and as a parting he sent some warm bullets 
after me. No, Jackal, give him the name." 



[27] 



THE WORLD'S REWARD 

ONCE there was a man that had an old 
dog, so old that the man desired to 
put him aside. The dog had served 
him very faithfully when he was still young, 
but ingratitude is the world's reward, and the 
man now wanted to dispose of him. The old 
dumb creature, however, ferreted out the plan 
of his master, and so at once resolved to go away 
of his own accord. 

After he had walked quite a way he met an old 
bull in the veldt. 

" Don't you want to go with me ? " asked the 
dog. 

" Where ? " was the reply. 

" To the land of the aged," said the dog, 
" where troubles don't disturb you and thank- 
lessness does not deface the deeds of man." 

" Good," said the bull, " I am your com- 
panion." 

[28] 



THE WORLD'S REWARD 

The two now walked on and found a ram. 

The dog laid the plan before him, and all 
moved off together, until they afterwards came 
successively upon a donkey, a cat, a cock, and 
a goose. 

These joined their company, and the seven 
set out on their journey. 

Late one night they came to a house and 
through the open door they saw a table spread 
with all kinds of nice food, of which some rob- 
bers were having their fill. It would help noth- 
ing to ask for admittance, and seeing that they 
were hungry, they must think of something else. 

Therefore the donkey climbed up on the bull, 
the ram on the donkey, the dog on the ram, the 
cat on the dog, the goose on the cat, and the 
cock on the goose, and with one accord they 
all let out terrible (threatening) noises (cry- 
ings). 

The bull began to bellow, the donkey to bray, 
the dog to bark, the ram to bleat, the cat to 
mew, the goose to giggle gaggle, and the cock to 
crow, all without cessation. 

The people in the house were frightened per- 
[29] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

fectlj limp ; they glanced out through the front 
door, and there they stared on the strange sight. 
Some of them took to the ropes over the back 
lower door, some disappeared through the 
window, and in a few counts the house was 
empty. 

Then the seven old animals climbed down from 
one another, stepped into the house, and satis- 
fied themselves with the delicious food. 

But when they had finished, there still re- 
mained a great deal of food, too much to take 
with them on their remaining journey, and so 
together they contrived a plan to hold their po- 
sition until the next day after breakfast. 

The dog said, " See here, I am accustomed to 
watch at the front door of my master's house," 
and thereupon flopped himself down to sleep; 
the bull said, " I go behind the door," and there 
he took his position ; the ram said, " I will go 
up on to the loft " ; the donkey, " I at the middle 
door " ; the cat, " I in the fireplace " ; the goose, 
" I in the back door " ; and the cock said, " I am 
going to sleep on the bed." 

The captain of the robbers after a while sent 
[30] 



THE WORLD'S REWARD 

one of his men back to see if these creatures had 
yet left the house. 

The man came very cautiously into the neigh- 
borhood, listened and listened, but he heard 
nothing; he peeped through the window, and 
saw in the grate just two coals still glimmer- 
ing, and thereupon started to walk through the 
front door. 

There the old dog seized him by the leg. He 
jumped into the house, but the bull was ready, 
swept him up with his horns, and tossed him on 
to the loft. Here the ram received him and 
pushed him off the loft again. Reaching ground, 
he made for the middle door, but the donkey set 
up a terrible braying and at the same time gave 
him a kick that landed him in the fireplace, where 
the cat flew at him and scratched him nearly to 
pieces. He then jumped out through the back 
door, and here the goose got him by the trousers. 
When he was some distance away the cock 
crowed. He thereupon ran so that you could 
hear the stones rattle in the dark. 

Purple and crimson and out of breath, he 
came back to his companions. 
[31] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

"Frightful, frightful!" was all that they 
could get from him at first, but after a while he 
told them. 

" When I looked through the window I saw 
in the fireplace two bright coals shining, and 
when I wanted to go through the front door to 
go and look, I stepped into an iron trap. I 
jumped into the house, and there some one 
seized me with a fork and pitched me up on to 
the loft, there again some one was ready, and 
threw me down on all fours. I wanted to fly 
through the middle door, but there some one 
blew on a trumpet, and smote me with a sledge 
hammer so that I did not know where I landed ; 
but coming to very quickly, I found I was in the 
fireplace, and there another flew at me and 
scratched the eyes almost out of my head. I 
thereupon fled out of the back door, and lastly 
I was attacked on the leg by the sixth with a 
pair of fire tongs, and when I was still run- 
ning away, some one shouted out of the house, 
' Stop him, stop h — ^i — m ! ' " 



[32] 



THE LION AND JACKAL 

NOT because he was exactly the most 
capable or progressive fellow in the 
neighborhood, but because he always 
gave that idea — that is why Jackal slowly ac- 
quired among the neighbors the name of a 
" progressive man." The truly well-bred people 
around him, who did not wish to hurt his feel- 
ings, seemed to apply this name to him, instead 
of, for instance, " cunning scamp," or " all-wise 
rat-trap," as so many others often dubbed him. 
He obtained this name of " a progressive man " 
because he spoke most of the time English, 
especially if he thought some of them were pres- 
ent who could not understand it, and also be- 
cause he could always hold his body so much 
like a judge on public occasions. 

He had a smooth tongue, could make quite a 
favorable speech, and especially with good ef- 
fect could he expatiate on the backwardness of 

[ss] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

others. Underneath he really was the most un- 
lettered man in the vicinity, but he had perfect 
control over his inborn cunningness, which al- 
lowed him for a long time to go triumphantly 
through life as a man of great ability. 

One time, for instance, he lost his tail in an 
iron trap. He had long attempted to reach the 
Boer's goose pen, and had framed many good 
plans, but when he came to his senses, he was 
sitting in front of the goose pen with his tail 
in the iron trap, the dogs all the time coming 
for him. When he realized what it meant, he 
mustered together all his strength and pulled 
his tail, which he always thought so much of, 
clean off. 

This would immediately have made him the 
butt of the whole neighborhood had he not 
thought of a plan. He called together a meet- 
ing of the jackals, and made them believe that 
Lion had issued a proclamation to the effect 
that all jackals in the future should be tailless, 
because their beautiful tails were a thorn in the 
eyes of more unfortunate animals. 

In his smooth way he told them how he re- 
[34] 



THE LION AND JACKAL 

gretted that the king should have the barbaric 
right to interfere with his subjects. But so it 
was ; and he thought the sooner he paid attention 
to it the safer. Therefore he had had his tail 
cut off already and he should advise all his 
friends to do the same. And so it happened that 
once all jackals for a long time were without 
tails. Later on they grew again. 

It was about the same time that Tiger hired 
Jackal as a schoolmaster. Tiger was in those 
days the richest man in the surrounding coun- 
try, and as he had had to suffer a great deal 
himself because he was so untutored, he wanted 
liis children to have the best education that could 
be obtained. 

It was shortly after a meeting, in w^hich it 
was shown how important a thing an education 
was, that Tiger approached Jackal and asked 
him to come and teach his children. 

Jackal was very ready to do this. It was not 
exactly his vocation, he said, but he would do it 
to pass time and just out of friendship for his 
neighbor. His and Tiger's farm lands lay next 
each other. 

[35] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

That he did not make teaching his profession 
and that he possessed no degree was of no ac- 
count in the eyes of Tiger. 

" Do not praise my goodness so much, Cousin 
Jackal," laughed he. " We know your worth 
well enough. Much rather would I intrust my 
offspring to you than to the many so-called 
schoolmasters, for it is especially my wish, as 
well as that of their mother, to have our children 
obtain a progressive education, and to make such 
men and women of them that with the same 
ability as you have they can take their lawful 
places in this world." 

" One condition," said Jackal, " I must state. 
It will be very inconvenient for me, almost im- 
possible, to come here to your farm and hold 
school. My own farm would in that case go to 
pieces, and that I cannot let happen. It would 
never pay me." 

Tiger answered that it was not exactly neces- 
sary either. In spite of their attachment to the 
little ones, they saw that it would probably be 
to their benefit to place them for a while in a 
stranger's house. 

[36] 



THE LION AND JACKAL 

Jackal then told of his own bringing up by 
Wolf. He remembered well how small he was 
when his father sent him away to study with 
Wolf. Naturally, since then, he had passed 
through many schools, Wolf was only his first 
teacher. And only in his later days did he real- 
ize how much good it had done him. 

" A man must bend the sapling while it is still 
young," said he. " There is no time that the 
child is so open to impressions as when he is 
plastic, about the age that most of your children 
are at present, and I was just thinking you 
would be doing a wise thing to send them away 
for quite a while." 

He had, fortunately, just then a room in his 
house that would be suited for a schoolroom, 
and his wife could easily make some arrange- 
ment for their lodging, even if they had to en- 
large their dwelling somewhat. 

It was then and there agreed upon. Tiger's 
wife was then consulted about one thing and 
another, and the following day the children were 
to leave. 

" I have just thought of one more thing," re- 
[S7] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

marked Jackal, " seven children, besides my lit- 
tle lot, will be quite a care on our hands, so 
jou will have to send over each week a fat lamb, 
and in order not to disturb their progress, the 
children will have to relinquish the idea of a 
vacation spent with you for some time. When 
I think they have become used to the bit, I will 
inform you, and then you can come and take 
them to make you a short visit, but not until 
then. " It is also better," continued he, " that 
they do not see you for the first while, but your 
wife can come and see them every Saturday and 
I will see to all else." 

^ On the following day there was an unearthly 
howling and wailing when the children were to 
leave. But Tiger and their mother showed them 
that it was best and that some day they would 
see that it was all for their good, and that 
their parents were doing it out of kindness. 
Eventually they were gone. 

The first Saturday dawned, and early that 
morning Mrs. Tiger was on her way to Jackal's 
dwelling, because she could not defer the time 
any longer. 

[38] 



THE LION AND JACKAL 

She was still a long way off when Jackal 
caught sight of her. He always observed neigh- 
borly customs, and so stepped out to meet 
her. 

After they had greeted each other, Mrs. Ti- 
ger's first question was : " Well, Cousin Jackal, 
how goes everything with the small team? Are 
they still all well and happy, and do they not 
trouble you, Cousin Jackal, too much? " 

" Oh, my goodness, no, Mrs. Tiger," answered 
Jackal enthusiastically, " but don't let us talk 
so loud, because if they heard you, it certainly 
would cause them many heartfelt tears and they 
might also want to go back with you and then 
all our trouble would have been for nothing." 

" But I would like to see them. Cousin 
Jackal," said Mrs. Tiger a little disturbed. 

" Why certainly, Mrs. Tiger," was his an- 
swer, " but I do not think it is wise for them 
to see you. I will lift them up to the window 
one by one, and then you can put your mind 
at rest concerning their health and progress." 

After Mr. and Mrs. Jackal and Mrs. Tiger 
had sat together for some time drinking coffee 
[39] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

and talking over one thing and another, Jackal 
took Tiger's wife to a door and told her to look 
through it, out upon the back yard. There he 
would show her the children one by one, while 
they would not be able to see her. Everything 
was done exactly as Jackal had said, but the 
sixth little tiger he picked up twice, because the 
firstborn he had the day before prepared in 
pickle for their Sunday meal. 

And so it happened every Saturday until the 
last little tiger— which was the youngest — had 
to be lifted up seven times in succession. 

And when Mrs. Tiger came again the follow- 
ing week all was still as death and everything 
seemed to have a deserted appearance on the 
estate. She walked straight to the front door, 
and there she found a letter in the poll grass 
near the door, which read thus : 

" We have gone for a picnic with the children. 
From there we will ride by Jackalsdance for 
New Year. This is necessary for the comple- 
tion of their progressive education." 

Jackal. 
[40] 



THE LION AND JACKAL 

Saturday after Saturday did Mrs. Tiger go 
and look, but every time Jackal's house seemed 
to look more deserted; and after a while there 
was a spider's web over the door and the trail 
of Snake showed that he, too, had taken up his 
abode there. 



[41] 



TINK-TINKJE 

THE birds wanted a king. Men have 
a king, so have animals, and why 
shouldn't they? All had assembled. 
" The Ostrich, because he is the largest," one 
called out. 

" No, he can't fly." 
" Eagle, on account of his strength." 
" Not he, he is too ugly." 
" Vulture, because he can fly the highest." 
" No, Vulture is too dirty, his odor is ter- 
rible." 

" Peacock, he is so beautiful." 
'* His feet are too ugly, and also his voice." 
" Owl, because he can see well." 
" Not Owl, he is ashamed of the light." 
And so they got no further. Then one 
shouted aloud, " He who can fly the highest will 
be king." " Yes, yes," they all screamed, and 
[42] 



TINK-TINKJE 

at a given signal they all ascended straight up 
into the sky. 

Vulture flew for three whole days without 
stopping, straight toward the sun. Then he 
cried aloud, " I am the highest, I am king." 

" T-sie, t-sie, t-sie," he heard above him. 
There Tink-tinkje was flying. He had held fast 
to one of the great wing feathers of Vulture, 
and had never been felt, he was so light. " T-sie, 
t-sie, t-sie, I am the highest, I am king," piped 
Tink-tinkje. 

Vulture flew for another day still ascending. 
" I am highest, I am king." 

" T-sie, t-sie, t-sie, I am the highest, I am 
king," Tink-tinkje mocked. There he was 
again, having crept out from under the wing of 
Vulture. 

Vulture flew on the fifth day straight up in 
the air. " I am the highest, I am king," he 
called. 

" T-sie, t-sie, t-sie," piped the little fellow 
above him. " I am the highest, I am king." 

Vulture was tired and now flew direct to 
earth. The other birds were mad through and 
[43] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

through. Tink-tinkje must die because he had 
taken advantage of Vulture's feathers and there 
hidden himself. All flew after him and he had 
to take refuge in a mouse hole. But how were 
they to get him out? Some one must stand 
guard to seize him the moment he put out his 
head. 

" Owl must keep guard ; he has the largest 
eyes ; he can see well," they exclaimed. 

Owl went and took up his position before 
the hole. The sun was warm and soon Owl be- 
came sleepy and presently he was fast asleep. 

Tink-tinkje peeped, saw that Owl was asleep, 
and z-zip away he went. Shortly afterwards 
the other birds came to see if Tink-tinkje were 
still in the hole. " T-sie, t-sie," they heard in 
a tree; and there the little vagabond was sit- 
ting. 

White-crow, perfectly disgusted, turned 
around and exclaimed, "Now I won't say a single 
word more." And from that day to this White- 
crow has never spoken. Even though you strike 
him, he makes no sound, he utters no cry. 

I 44 ] 



THE LION AND JACKAL 

LION had now caught a large eland which 
lay dead on the top of a high bank. 
Lion was thirsty and wanted to go and 
drink water. " Jackal, look after my eland, I 
am going to get a drink. Don't you eat any." 

'' Very well, Uncle Lion." 

Lion went to the river and Jackal quietly re- 
moved a stone on which Lion had to step to 
reach the bank on his return. After that Jackal 
and his wife ate heartily of the eland. Lion re- 
turned, but could not scale the bank. " Jackal, 
help me," he shouted. 

" Yes, Uncle Lion, I will let down a rope and 
then you can climb up." 

Jackal whispered to his wife, " Give me one 
of the old, thin hide ropes." And then aloud 
he added, " Wife, give me one of the strong, 
buffalo ropes, so Uncle Lion won't fall." 

His wife gave him an old rotten rope. Jackal 
[45] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

and his wife first ate ravenously of the meat, 
then gradually let the rope down. Lion seized 
it and struggled up. When he neared the brink 
Jackal gave the rope a jerk. It broke and down 
Lion began to roll — rolled the whole way down, 
and finally lay at the foot near the river. 

Jackal began to beat a dry hide that lay there 
as he howled, cried, and shouted : " Wife, why 
did you give me such a bad rope that caused 
Uncle Lion to fall.?" 

Lion heard the row and roared, " Jackal, stop 
beating your wife. I will hurt you if you don't 
cease. Help me to climb up." 

" Uncle Lion, I will give you a rope." Whis- 
pering again to his wife, " Give me one of the 
old, thin hide ropes," and shouting aloud again, 
" Give me a strong, buffalo rope, wife, that will 
not break again with Lion." 

Jackal gave out the rope, and when Lion had 
nearly reached the top, he cut the rope through. 
Snap! and Lion began to roll to the bottom. 
Jackal again beat on the hide and shouted, 
" Wife, why did you give me such a rotten rope ? 
Didn't I tell you to give me a strong one? " Lion 
[46] 



THE LION AND JACKAL 

roared, " Jackal, stop beating your wife at once. 
Help me instantly or you will be sorry." 

" Wife," Jackal said aloud, " give me now the 
strongest rope you have," and aside to her, 
'' Give me the worst rope of the lot." 

Jackal again let down a rope, but just as 
Lion reached the top. Jackal gave a strong tug 
and broke the rope. Poor old Lion rolled down 
the side of the hill and lay there roaring from 
pain. He had been fatally hurt. 

Jackal inquired, " Uncle Lion, have you hurt 
yourself.'^ Have you much pain.'' Wait a while, 
I am coming directly to help you." Jackal and 
his wife slowly walked away. 



[47] 



LION AND JACKAL 

THE Lion and the Jackal agreed to hunt 
on shares, for the purpose of laying in 
a stock of meat for the winter months 
for their families. 

As the Lion was by far the more expert hunter 
of the two, the Jackal suggested that he (him- 
self) should be employed in transporting the 
game to their dens, and that Mrs. Jackal and 
the little Jackals should prepare and dry the 
meat, adding that they would take care that 
Mrs. Lion and her family should not want. 

This was agreed to by the Lion, and the hunt 
commenced. 

After a very successful hunt, which lasted for 
some time, the Lion returned to see his family, 
and also to enjoy, as he thought, a plentiful 
supply of his spoil ; when, to his utter surprise, 
he found Mrs. Lion and all the young Lions on 
the point of death from sheer hunger, and in a 
[48] 



LION AND JACKAL 

mangy state. The Jackal, it appeared, had 
only given them a few entrails of the game, and 
in such limited quantities as barely to keep them 
alive; always telling them that they (i. e., the 
Lion and himself) had been most unsuccessful 
in their hunting; while his own family was 
reveling in abundance, and each member of it 
was sleek and fat. 

This was too much for the Lion to bear. He 
immediately started off in a terrible fury, vow- 
ing certain death to the Jackal and all his fam- 
ily, wherever he should meet them. The Jackal 
was more or less prepared for a storm, and had 
taken the precaution to remove all his belong- 
ings to the top of a krantz (i. e., a cliff), acces- 
sible only by a most difficult and circuitous path, 
which he alone knew. 

When the Lion saw him on the krantz, the 
Jackal immediately greeted him by calling out, 
** Good morning, Uncle Lion." 

" How dare you call me uncle, you impu- 
dent scoundrel," roared out the Lion, in a voice 
of thunder, " after the way in which you have 
behaved to my family ? " 
[49] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

" Oh, Uncle ! How shall I explain matters ? 
That beast of a wife of mine ! " Whack, whack 
was heard, as he beat with a stick on dry 
hide, which was a mere pretence for Mrs. 
Jackal's back; while that lady was prein- 
structed to scream whenever he operated on 
the hide, which she did with a vengeance, joined 
by the little Jackals, who set up a most dole- 
ful chorus. " That wretch ! " said the Jackal. 
" It is all her doing. I shall kill her straight 
oif," and away he again belabored the hide, 
while his wife and children uttered such a dis- 
mal howl that the Lion begged of him to 
leave off flogging his wife. After cooling down 
a little, he invited Uncle Lion to come up and 
have something to eat. The Lion, after sev- 
eral ineffectual attempts to scale the precipice, 
had to give it up. 

The Jackal, always ready for emergencies, 
suggested that a reim should be lowered to haul 
up his uncle. This was agreed to, and when 
the Lion was drawn about halfway up by the 
whole family of Jackals, the reim was cleverly 
cut, and down went the Lion with a tremendous 
[50] 



LION AND JACKAL 

crash which hurt him very much. Upon this, 
the Jackal again performed upon the hide with 
tremendous force, for their daring to give him 
such a rotten reim, and Mrs. Jackal and the 
little ones responded with some fearful screams 
and yells. He then called loudly out to his wife 
for a strong buffalo reim which would support 
any weight. This again was lowered and fas- 
tened to the Lion, when all hands pulled away 
at their uncle; and, just when he had reached 
so far that he could look over the precipice into 
the pots to see all the fat meat cooking, and 
all the biltongs hanging out to dry, the reim 
was again cut, and the poor Lion fell with such 
force that he was fairly stunned for some time. 
After the Lion had recovered his senses, the 
Jackal, in a most sympathizing tone, suggested 
that he was afraid that it was of no use to at- 
tempt to haul him up onto the precipice, and 
recommended, instead, that a nice fat piece of 
eland's breast be roasted and dropped into the 
Lion's mouth. The Lion, half famished with 
hunger, and much bruised, readily accepted the 
offer, and sat eagerly awaiting the fat morsel. 
[51] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

In the mean time, the Jackal had a round stone 
made red-hot, and wrapped a quantity of inside 
fat, or suet, round it, to make it appear hke 
a ball of fat. When the Lion saw it held out, 
he opened his capacious mouth to the utmost 
extent, and the wily Jackal cleverly dropped the 
hot ball right into it, which ran through the 
poor old beast, killing him on the spot. 

It need hardly be told that there was great re- 
joicing on the precipice that night. 



[52] 



THE HUNT OF LION AND 
JACKAL 

LION and Jackal, it is said, were one day 
lying in wait for Eland. Lion shot 
(with a bow) and missed, but Jackal 
hit and sang out, " Hah ! hah ! " 

Lion said, " No, you did not shoot anything. 
It was I who hit." 

Jackal answered, " Yea, my father, thou hast 
hit." 

Then they went home in order to return 
when the eland was dead, and cut it up. Jackal, 
however, turned back, unknown to Lion, hit his 
nose so that the blood ran on the spoor of the 
eland, and followed their track thus, in order 
to cheat Lion. When he had gone some dis- 
tance, he returned by another way to the dead 
eland, and creeping into its carcass, cut out all 
the fat. 

Meanwhile Lion followed the blood-stained 
[53] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

spoor of Jackal, thinking that it was eland 
blood, and only when he had gone some distance 
did he find out that he had been deceived. He 
then returned on Jackal's spoor, and reached 
the dead eland, where, finding Jackal in its car- 
cass, he seized him by his tail and drew him out 
with a swing. 

Lion upbraided Jackal with these words: 
" Why do you cheat me? " 

Jackal answered : " No, my father, I do not 
cheat you; you may know it, I think. I pre- 
pared this fat for you, father." 

Lion said : " Then take the fat and carry 
it to your mother " (the lioness) ; and he gave 
him the lungs to take to his own wife and chil- 
dren. 

When Jackal arrived, he did not give the fat 
to Lion's wife, but to his own wife and children ; 
he gave, however, the lungs to Lion's wife, and 
he pelted Lion's little children with the lungs, 
saying : 

" You children of the big-pawed one ! 
You big-pawed ones!" 

[54] 



THE HUNT OF LION AND JACKAL 

He said to Lioness, " I go to help my father " 
(the lion) ; but he went far away with his wife 
and children. 



[55] 



STORY OF LION AND LITTLE 
JACKAL 

LITTLE JACKAL one day went out 
hunting, when he met Lion. Lion pro- 
posed that they should hunt together, 
on condition that if a small antelope was killed 
it was to be Little Jackal's, and if a large one 
was killed it was to be Lion's. Little Jackal 
agreed to this. 

The first animal killed was a large eland. 
Lion was very glad, and said to Little Jackal: 
'' I will continue hunting while you go to my 
house and call my children to carry the meat 
home." 

Little Jackal replied : " Yes, I agree to 
that." 

Lion went away to hunt. When he had gone, 

Little Jackal went to his own house and called 

his own children to carry away the meat. He 

said : " Lion takes me for a fool if he thinks 

[56] 



LION AND LITTLE JACKAL 

I will call his children while my own are dying 
with hunger." 

So Little Jackal's children carried the meat to 
their home on the top of a high rock, where the 
only way to get to their house was by means of 
a rope. 

Lion caught nothing more, and after a time 
he went home and asked his wife where the meat 
was. She told him there was no meat. He said : 
" Did not Little Jackal bring a message to my 
children to carry meat ? " 

His wife replied : " No, he was not here. We 
are still dying with hunger." 

Lion then went to Little Jackal's house, but 
he could not get up the rock to it. So he sat 
down by the water, waiting. After a time Lit- 
tle Jackal went to get some water. He was 
close to the water when he saw Lion. He at 
once ran away, and Lion ran after him. He ran 
into a hole under a tree, but Lion caught his 
tail before he got far in. He said to him : " That 
is not my tail you have hold of; it is a root 
of the tree. If you do not believe me, take a 
stone and strike it, and see if any blood comes." 
[57] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Lion let go the tail, and went for a stone to 
prove what it was. While he was gone for the 
stone, Little Jackal went far into the hole. 
When Lion returned he could not be found. 
Lion lay down by the hole and waited. After 
a long time Little Jackal wanted to come out. 
He went to the entrance and looked round, but 
he could not see Lion. To make sure, he said: 
" Ho, I see you, my master, although you are 
in hiding." 

Lion did not move from the place where he 
lay concealed. Then Little Jackal went out, 
and Lion pursued him, but he got away. 

Lion watched for him, and one day, when Lit- 
tle Jackal was out hunting, he came upon him 
in a place where he could not escape. Lion was 
just about to spring upon him, when Little 
Jackal said softly : " Be still, do you not see 
that bushbuck on the other side of the rock? I 
am glad you have come to help me. Just re- 
main here while I run round and drive him 
toward you." 

Lion did so, and Little Jackal made his es- 
cape. 

[58] 



LION AND LITTLE JACKAL 

At another time there was a meeting of the 
animals, and Lion was the chief at the meeting. 
Little Jackal wanted to attend, but there was a 
law made that no one should be present unless 
he had horns. So Little Jackal took wax out 
of a nest of bees, and made horns for himself 
with it. He fastened the horns on his head, and 
went to the meeting. Lion did not know him 
on account of the horns. But he sat near the 
fire and went to sleep, when the horns melted. 

Lion looked at him and saw who it was. He 
immediately tried to catch him, but Little Jackal 
was quick in springing away. He ran under an 
overhanging rock and sang out : " Help ! help ! 
this rock is falling upon me ! " 

Lion went for a pole to prop up the rock 
that he might get at Little Jackal. While he 
was away. Little Jackal escaped. 

After that they became companions again, 
and went hunting another time. They killed an 
ox. Lion said : " I will watch it while you carry 
the pieces away." 

Lion gave him the breast, and said : " Take 
this to my wife." 

[59] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Little Jackal took it to his own wife. When 
he returned, Lion gave him a shin, and said: 
" Take this to your wife." 

Little Jackal took the shin to Lion's house. 
Lion's wife said : " I cannot take this because 
it should not come here." 

Little Jackal thereupon struck Lion's wife in 
the face, and went back to the place where the 
ox was killed. Lion gave him a large piece of 
meat and said : " Take this to my wife." 

Little Jackal took it to his own wife. This 
continued till the ox was finished. Then they 
both went home. When Lion arrived at his 
house he found there was weeping in his family. 

His wife said : " Is it you who sent Little 
Jackal to beat me and my children, and is it 
you who sent this shin ? Did I ever eat a shin ? " 

When Lion heard this he was very angry and 
at once went to Little Jackal's house. When he 
reached the rock. Little Jackal looked down and 
said : " Who are you, and what is your name, 
and whose son are you, and where are you from, 
and where are you going to, and whom do you 
want, and what do you want him for.? " 
[60] 



LION AND LITTLE JACKAL 

Lion replied : " I have merely come to see 
you. I wish you to let down the rope." 

Little Jackal let down a rope made of mouse 
skins, and when Lion climbed a little way up, 
the rope broke, and he fell and was hurt. He 
then went home. 



[61] 



THE LIONESS AND THE 
OSTRICH 

IT is said, once a lioness roared, and the os- 
trich also roared. The lioness went toward 
the place where the ostrich was. They met. 
The lioness said to the ostrich, " Please to 
roar." The ostrich roared. Then the honess 
roared. The voices were equal. The lioness 
said to the ostrich, " You are my match." 

Then the lioness said to the ostrich, " Let us 
hunt game together." They saw eland and made 
toward it. The lioness caught only one; the 
ostrich killed a great many by striking them 
with the claw which was on his leg ; but the lion- 
ess killed only one. When they had met after 
the hunting they went to the game, and the lion- 
ess saw that the ostrich had killed a great deal. 
Now, the lioness also had young cubs. They 
went to the shade to rest themselves. The 
lioness said to the ostrich, " Get up and rip 
[62] 



THE LIONESS AND THE OSTRICH 

open ; let us eat." Said the ostrich, " Go and 
rip open ; I shall eat the blood." The lioness 
stood up and ripped open, and ate with the 
cubs. And when she had eaten, the ostrich got 
up and ate the blood. They went to sleep. 

The cubs played about. While they were 
playing, they went to the ostrich, who was 
asleep. When he went to sleep he also opened 
his mouth. The young lions saw that the os- 
trich had no teeth. They went to their mother 
and said, " This fellow, who says he is your 
equal, has no teeth ; he is insulting you." Then 
the lioness went to wake the ostrich, and said, 
" Get up, let us fight " ; and they fought. And 
the ostrich said, " Go to that side of the ant- 
hill, and I will go to this side of it." The os- 
trich struck the ant-hill, and sent it toward the 
lioness. But the second time he struck the lion- 
ess in a vulnerable spot, near the liver, and 
killed her. 



[63] 



CROCODILE'S TREASON 

CROCODILE was, in the days when ani- 
mals still could talk, the acknowledged 
foreman of all water creatures and if 
one should judge from appearances one would 
say that he still is. But in those days it was 
his especial duty to have a general care of all 
water animals, and when one year it was exceed- 
ingly dry, and the water of the river where they 
had lived dried up and became scarce, he was 
forced to make a plan to trek over to another 
river a short distance from there. 

He first sent Otter out to spy. He stayed 
away two days and brought back a report that 
there was still good water in the other river, 
real sea-cow holes, that not even a drought of 
several years could dry up. 

After he had ascertained this, Crocodile called 
to his side Tortoise and Alligator. 
[64] 



CROCODILE'S TREASON 

" Look here," said he, " I need you two to- 
night to carry a report to Lion. So then get 
ready; the veldt is dry, and you will probably 
have to travel for a few days without any water. 
We must make peace with Lion and his sub- 
jects, otherwise we utterly perish this year. 
And he must help us to trek over to the other 
river, especially past the Boer's farm that lies in 
between, and to travel unmolested by any of the 
animals of the veldt, so long as the trek lasts. 
A fish on land is sometimes a very helpless thing, 
as you all know." The two had it mighty hard 
in the burning sun, and on the dry veldt, but 
eventually they reached Lion and handed him 
the treaty. 

" What is going on now.? " thought Lion to 
himself, when he had read it. " I must consult 
Jackal first," said he. But to the commission- 
ers he gave back an answer that he would be 
the following evening with his advisers at the 
appointed place, at the big vaarland willow tree, 
at the farther end of the hole of water, where 
Crocodile had his headquarters. 

When Tortoise and Alligator came back, 
[65] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Crocodile was exceedingly pleased with himself 
at the turn the case had taken. 

He allowed Otter and a few others to be pres- 
ent and ordered them on that evening to have 
ready plenty of fish and other eatables for their 
guests under the vaarland willow. 

That evening as it grew dark Lion appeared 
with Wolf, Jackal, Baboon, and a few other im- 
portant animals, at the appointed place, and 
they were received in the most open-hearted man- 
ner by Crocodile and the other water creatures. 

Crocodile was so glad at the meeting of the 
animals that he now and then let fall a great tear 
of joy that disappeared into the sand. After the 
other animals had done well by the iish. Croco- 
dile laid bare to them the condition of affairs 
and opened up his plan. He wanted only peace 
among all animals ; for they not only destroyed 
one another, but the Boer, too, would in time 
destroy them all. 

The Boer had already stationed at the source 

of the river no less than three steam pumps to 

irrigate his land, and the water was becoming 

scarcer every day. More than this, he took ad- 

[66] 



CROCODILE'S TREASON 

vantage of their unfortunate position by mak- 
ing them sit in the shallow water and then, one 
after the other, bringing about their death. As 
Lion was, on this account, inclined to make 
peace, it was to his glory to take this oppor- 
tunity and give his hand to these peace-mak- 
ing water creatures, and carry out their part 
of the contract, namely, escort them from the 
dried-up water, past the Boer's farm and to the 
long sea-cow pools. 

" And what benefit shall we receive from it ? " 
asked Jackal. 

" Well," answered Crocodile, " the peace made 
is of great benefit to both sides. We will not 
exterminate each other. If you desire to come 
and drink water, you can do so with an easy 
mind, and not be the least bit nervous that I, 
or any one of us will seize you by the nose ; and 
so also with all the other animals. And from 
your side we are to be freed from Elephant, who 
has the habit, whenever he gets the opportunity, 
of tossing us with his trunk up into some open 
and narrow fork of a tree and there allowing us 
to become biltong." 

[67] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Lion and Jackal stepped aside to consult with 
one another, and then Lion wanted to know what 
form of security he would have that Crocodile 
would keep to his part of the contract. 

" I stake my word of honor," was the prompt 
answer from Crocodile, and he let drop a few 
more long tears of honesty into the sand. 

Baboon then said it was all square and hon- 
est as far as he could see into the case. He 
thought it was nonsense to attempt to dig pit- 
falls for one another ; because he personally was 
well aware that his race would benefit some- 
what from this contract of peace and friend- 
ship. And more than this, they must consider 
that use must be made of the fast disappear- 
ing water, for even in the best of times it was 
an unpleasant thing to be always carrying your 
life about in your hands. He would, however, 
like to suggest to the King that it would be 
well to have everything put down in writing, 
so that there would be nothing to regret in case 
it was needed. 

Jackal did not want to listen to the agree- 
ment. He could not see that it would benefit 
[68] 



CROCODILE'S TREASON 

the animals of the veldt. But Wolf, who had 
fully satisfied himself with the fish, was in an 
exceptionally peace-loving mood, and he advised 
Lion again to close the agreement. 

After Lion had listened to all his advisers, 
and also the pleading tones of Crocodile's fol- 
lowers, he held forth in a speech in which he 
said that he was inclined to enter into the agree- 
ment, seeing that it was clear that Crocodile and 
his subjects were in a very tight place. 

There and then a document was drawn up, 
and it was resolved, before midnight, to begin 
the trek. Crocodile's messengers swam in all 
directions to summon together the water ani- 
mals for the trek. 

Frogs croaked and crickets chirped in the 
long water grass. It was not long before all 
the animals had assembled at the vaarland wil- 
low. In the meantime Lion had sent out a few 
despatch riders to his subjects to raise a com- 
mando for an escort, and long ere midnight these 
also were at the vaarland willow in the moon- 
light. 

The trek then was regulated by Lion and 
[69] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Jackal. Jackal was to take the lead to act 
as spy, and when he was able to draw Lion to 
one side, he said to him : 

" See here, I do not trust this affair one bit, 
and I want to tell you straight out, I am going 
to make tracks! I will spy for you until you 
reach the sea-cow pool, but I am not going to 
be the one to await your arrival there." 

Elephant had to act as advance guard be- 
cause he could walk so softly and could hear 
and smell so well. Then came Lion with one di- 
vision of the animals, then Crocodile's trek with 
a flank protection of both sides, and Wolf re- 
ceived orders to bring up the rear. 

Meanwhile, while all this was being arranged, 
Crocodile was smoothly preparing his treason. 
He called Yellow Snake to one side and said to 
him : " It is to our advantage to have these ani- 
mals, who go among us every day, and who will 
continue to do so, fall into the hands of the 
Boer. Listen, now! You remain behind un- 
noticed, and when you hear me shout you will 
know that we have arrived safely at the sea- 
cow pool. Then you must harass the Boer's 
[70] 



CROCODILE'S TREASON 

dogs as much as you can, and the rest will look 
out for themselves." 

Thereupon the trek moved on. It was neces- 
sary to go very slowly as many of the water 
animals were not accustomed to the journey on 
land; but they trekked past the Boer's farm 
in safety, and toward break of day they were 
all safely at the sea-cow pool. There most of 
the water animals disappeared suddenly into the 
deep water, and Crocodile also began to make 
preparations to follow their example. With 
tearful eyes he said to Lion that he was, oh, 
so thankful for the help, that, from pure re- 
lief and joy, he must first give vent to his feel- 
ings by a few screams. Thereupon he suited his 
words to actions so that even the mountains 
echoed, and then thanked Lion on behalf of his 
subjects, and purposely continued with a long 
speech, dwelling on all the benefits both sides 
would derive from the agreement of peace. 

Lion was just about to say good day and 
take his departure, when the first shot fell, and 
with it Elephant and a few other animals. 

*^' I told you all so ! " shouted Jackal from 
[71] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

the other side of the sea-cow pool. " Why did 
you allow yourselves to be misled by a few Croc- 
odile tears ? " 

Crocodile had disappeared long ago into the 
water. All one saw was just a lot of bubbles; 
and on the banks there was an actual war against 
the animals. It simply crackled the way the 
Boers shot them. 

But most of them, fortunately, came out of 
it alive. 

Shortly after, they say. Crocodile received his 
well-earned reward, when he met a driver with 
a load of dynamite. And even now when the 
Elephant gets the chance he pitches them up 
into the highest forks of the trees. 



[72] 



THE STORY OF A DAM 

THERE was a great drought in the land ; 
and Lion called together a number of 
animals so that they might devise a 
plan for retaining water when the rains fell. 

The animals which attended at Lion's sum- 
mons were Baboon, Leopard, Hyena, Jackal, 
Hare, and Mountain Tortoise. 

It was agreed that they should scratch a large 
hole in some suitable place to hold water; and 
the next day they all began to work, with the 
exception of Jackal, who continually hovered 
about in that locality, and was overheard to 
mutter that he was not going to scratch his 
nails off in making water holes. 

When the dam was finished the rains fell, and 
it was soon filled with water, to the great delight 
of those who had worked so hard at it. The 
first one, however, to come and drink there, 
was Jackal, who not only drank, but filled his 
[73] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

clay pot with water, and then proceeded to 
swim in the rest of the water, making it as muddy 
and dirty as he could. 

This was brought to the knowledge of Lion, 
who was very angry and ordered Baboon to 
guard the water the next day, armed with a 
huge knobkirrie. Baboon was concealed in a 
bush close to the water ; but Jackal soon became 
aware of his presence there, and guessed its 
cause. Knowing the fondness of baboons for 
honey. Jackal at once hit upon a plan, and 
marching to and fro, every now and then dipped 
his fingers into his clay pot, and licked them 
with an expression of intense relish, saying, in 
a low voice to himself, " I don't want any of 
their dirty water when I have a pot full of de- 
licious honey." This was too much for poor 
Baboon, whose mouth began to water. He soon 
began to beg Jackal to give him a little honey, 
as he had been watching for several hours, and 
was very hungry and tired. 

After taking no notice of Baboon at first. 
Jackal looked round, and said, in a patroniz- 
ing manner, that he pitied such an unfortunate 
[741 



THE STORY OF A DAM 

creature, and would give him some honey on 
certain conditions, viz., that Baboon should give 
up his knobkirrie and allow himself to be bound 
by Jackal. He foolishly agreed ; and was soon 
tied in such a manner that he could not move 
hand or foot. 

Jackal now proceeded to drink of the water, 
to fill his pot, and to swim in the sight of Bab- 
oon, from time to time telling him what a fool- 
ish fellow he had been to be so easily duped, and 
that he (Jackal) had no honey or anything 
else to give him, excepting a good blow on the 
head every now and then with his own knob- 
kirrie. 

The animals soon appeared and found poor 
Baboon in this sorry plight, looking the picture 
of misery. Lion was so exasperated that he 
caused Baboon to be severely punished, and to 
be denounced as a fool. 

Tortoise hereupon stepped forward, and of- 
fered his services for the capture of Jackal. 
It was at first thought that he was merely jok- 
ing; but when he explained in what manner he 
proposed to catch him, his plan was consid- 
[75] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

ered so feasible that his offer was accepted. He 
proposed that a thick coating of " bijenwerk " 
(a kind of sticky black substance found on bee- 
hives) should be spread all over him, and that 
he should then go and stand at the entrance 
of the dam, on the water level, so that Jackal 
might tread upon him and stick fast. This was 
accordingly done and Tortoise posted there. 

The next day, when Jackal came, he ap- 
proached the water very cautiously, and won- 
dered to find no one there. He then ventured 
to the entrance of the water, and remarked how 
kind they had been in placing there a large black 
stepping-stone for him. As soon, however, as 
he trod upon the supposed stone, he stuck fast, 
and saw that he had been tricked; for Tor- 
toise now put his head out and began to move. 
Jackal's hind feet being still free he threatened 
to smash Tortoise with them if he did not let 
him go. Tortoise merely answered, " Do as you 
like." Jackal thereupon made a violent jump, 
and found, with horror, that his hind feet were 
now also fast. " Tortoise," said he, " I have 
still my mouth and teeth left, and will eat you 
[76] 



THE STORY OF A DAM 

alive if you do not let me go." " Do as you 
like," Tortoise again replied. Jackal, in his 
endeavors to free himself, at last made a des- 
perate bite at Tortoise, and found himself fixed, 
both head and feet. Tortoise, feeling proud of 
his successful capture, now marched quietly up 
to the top of the bank with Jackal on his back, 
so that he could easily be seen by the animals 
as they came to the water. 

They were indeed astonished to find how clev- 
erly the crafty Jackal had been caught; and 
Tortoise was much praised, while the unhappy 
Baboon was again reminded of his misconduct 
when set to guard the water. 

Jackal was at once condemned to death by 
Lion; and Hyena was to execute the sentence. 
Jackal pleaded hard for mercy, but finding this 
useless, he made a last request to Lion (always, 
as he said, so fair and just in his deahngs) that 
he should not have to suffer a lingering death. 

Lion inquired of him in what manner he 

wished to die ; and he asked that his tail might 

be shaved and rubbed with a little fat, and that 

Hyena might then swing him round twice, and 

[77] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

dash his brains out upon a stone. This, being 
considered sufficiently fair by Lion, was ordered 
by him to be carried out in his presence. 

When Jackal's tail had been shaved and 
greased, Hyena caught hold of him with great 
force, and before he had fairly lifted him from 
the ground, the cunning Jackal had slipped 
away from Hyena's grasp, and was running for 
his life, pursued by all the animals. 

Lion was the foremost pursuer, and after a 
great chase Jackal got under an overhanging 
precipice, and, standing on his hind legs with 
his shoulders pressed against the rock, called 
loudly to Lion to help him, as the rock was fall- 
ing, and would crush them both. Lion put his 
shoulders to the rock, and exerted himself to 
the utmost. After some little time Jackal pro- 
posed that he should creep slowly out, and fetch 
a large pole to prop up the rock, so that Lion 
could get out and save his life. Jackal did 
creep out, and left Lion there to starve and die. 



[78] 



THE DANCE FOR WATER OR 
RABBIT'S TRIUMPH 

THERE was a frightful drought. The 
rivers after a wliile dried up and even 
the springs gave no water. 
The animals wandered around seeking drink, 
but to no avail. Nowhere was water to be found. 
A great gathering of animals was held : Lion, 
Tiger, Wolf, Jackal, Elephant, all of them came 
together. What was to be done ? That was the 
question. One had this plan, and another had 
that ; but no plan seemed of value. 

Finally one of them suggested : " Come, let all 
of us go to the dry river bed and dance ; in that 
way we can tread out the water." 

Good! Everyone was satisfied and ready to 
begin instantly, excepting Rabbit, who said, " I 
will not go and dance. All of you are mad to 
attempt to get water from the ground by danc- 
ing." 

[79] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

The other animals danced and danced, and ul- 
timately danced the water to the surface. How 
glad they were. Everyone drank as much as 
he could, but Rabbit did not dance with them. 
So it was decided that Rabbit should have no 
water. 

He laughed at them : " I will nevertheless 
drink some of your water." 

That evening he proceeded leisurely to the 
river bed where the dance had been, and drank 
as much as he wanted. The following morning 
the animals saw the footprints of Rabbit in the 
ground, and Rabbit shouted to them : " Aha ! I 
did have some of the water, and it was most 
refreshing and tasted fine." 

Quickly all the animals were called together. 
What were they to do? How were they to get 
Rabbit in their hands? All had some means to 
propose; the one suggested this, and the other 
that. 

Finally old Tortoise moved slowly forward, 
foot by foot: " I will catch Rabbit." 

" You.? How.? What do you think of your- 
self.? " shouted the others in unison. 
[80] 



RABBIT'S TRIUMPH 

**Rub my shell with pitch,^ and I will go to 
the edge of the water and lie down. I will then 
resemble a stone, so that when Rabbit steps on 
me his feet will stick fast." 

" Yes ! Yes ! That's good." 

And in a one, two, three, Tortoise's shell was 
covered with pitch, and foot by foot he moved 
away to the river. At the edge, close to the 
water, he lay down and drew his head into his 
shell. 

Rabbit during the evening came to get a 
drink. " Ha ! " he chuckled sarcastically, " they 
are, after all, quite decent. Here they have 
placed a stone, so now I need not unnecessarily 
wet my feet." 

Rabbit trod with his left foot on the stone, 
and there it stuck. Tortoise then put his head 
out. " Ha ! old Tortoise ! And it's you, is it, 
that's holding me. But here I still have another 
foot. I'll give you a good clout." Rabbit gave 
Tortoise what he said he would with his right 
fore foot, hard and straight ; and there his foot 
remained. 

* Black beeswax. 
[81] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

" I have yet a hind foot, and with it I'll kick 
you." Rabbit drove his hind foot down. This 
also rested on Tortoise where it struck. 

" But still another foot remains, and now I'll 
tread you." He stamped his foot down, but it 
stuck like the others. 

He used his head to hammer Tortoise, and his 
tail as a whip, but both met the same fate as 
his feet, so there he was tight and fast down to 
the pitch. 

Tortoise now slowly turned himself round and 
foot by foot started for the other animals, with 
Rabbit on his back. 

" Ha ! ha ! ha ! Rabbit ! How does it look 
now? Insolence does not pay after all," shouted 
the animals. 

Now advice was sought. What should they 
do with Rabbit.? He certainly must die. But 
how.? One said, "Behead him"; another, 
" Some severe penalty." 

" Rabbit, how are we to kill you ? " 

" It does not affect me," Rabbit said. " Only 
a shameful death please do not pronounce." 

" And what is that ? " they all shouted. 
[82] 



RABBIT'S TRIUMPH 

*' To take me by my tail and dash my head 
against a stone; that I pray and beseech you 
don't do." 

" No, but just so you'll die. That is de- 
cided." 

It was decided Rabbit should die by taking 
him by his tail and dashing his head to pieces 
against some stone. But who is to do it? 

Lion, because he is the most powerful one. 

Good! Lion should do it. He stood up, 
walked to the front, and poor Rabbit was 
brought to him. Rabbit pleaded and beseeched 
that he couldn't die such a miserable death. 

Lion took Rabbit firmly by the tail and 
swung him around. The white skin slipped off 
from Rabbit, and there Lion stood with the 
white bit of skin and hair in his paw. Rabbit 
was free. 



[83] 



JACKAL AND MONKEY 

EVERY evening Jackal went to the 
Boer's kraal. He crept through the 
sliding door and stole a fat young 
lamb. Tliis, clever Jackal did several times in 
succession. Boer set a wip^ for him at the 
door. Jackal went again and zip — there he 
was caught araariJ the body by the noose. He 
swung and swayed high in the air and couldn't 
touch ground. The day began to dawn and 
Jackal became uneasy. 

On a stone kopje, Monkey sat. When it be- 
came light he could see the whole affair, and 
descended hastily for the purpose of mocking 
Jackal. He went and sat on the wall. " Ha, 

* Wip : A Dutch word for springle, consisting of a bent 
green stick, to which a noose is attached at one end; the 
trap is delicately adjusted by a cross stick, which when trod 
on releases the bent bough, pulling the noose quickly around 
the animal and into the air. 

[84] 



JACKAL AND MONKEY 

ha, good morning. So there you are hanging 
now, eventually caught." 

"What? I caught? I am simply swinging 
for my pleasure ; it is enj oyable." 

" You fibber. Y^ou are caught in the wip." 

" If you but realized how nice it was to swing 
and sway like this, you wouldn't hesitate. 
Come, try it a little. You feel so healthy and 
strong for the day, and you never tire after- 
wards." 

" No, I won't. You are caught." 

After a while Jackal convinced Monkey. He 
sprang from the kraal wall, and freeing Jackal, 
adjusted the noose around his own body. 
Jackal quickly let go and began to laugh, as 
Monkey was now swinging high in the air. 

" Ha, ha, ha," he laughed. " Now Monkey 
is in the wip." 

" Jackal, free me," he screamed. 

" There, Boer is coming," shouted Jackal. 

" Jackal, free me of this, or I'll break your 
playthings." 

" No, there Boer is coming with his gun ; you 
rest a while in the noose." 
[85] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

" Jackal, quickly make me free." 

" No, here's Boer already, and he's got his 
gun. Good morning." And with these parting 
words he ran away as fast as he could. Boer 
came and saw Monkey in the wip. 

" So, so. Monkey, now you are caught. You 
are the fellow who has been stealing my lambs, 
hey.?" 

" No, Boer, no," screamed Monkey, " not I, 
but Jackal." 

" No, I know you ; you aren't too good for 
that." 

" No, Boer, no, not I, but Jackal," Monkey 
stammered. 

" Oh, I know you. Just wait a little," and 
Boer, raising his gun, aimed and shot poor 
Monkey dead. 



[86] 



LION'S SHARE 

LION and Jackal went together a-hunt- 
ing. They shot with arrows. Lion 
shot first, but his arrow fell short of 
its aim; but Jackal hit the game, and joyfully 
cried out, " It has hit." 

Lion looked at him with his two large eyes ; 
Jackal, however, did not lose his countenance, 
but said, " No, uncle, I mean to say that you 
have hit." Then they followed the game, and 
Jackal passed the arrow of Lion without draw- 
ing the latter's attention to it. When they 
arrived at a crossway, Jackal said : " Dear un- 
cle, you are old and tired; stay here." Jackal 
went then on a wrong track, beat his nose, and, 
in returning, let the blood drop from it like 
traces of game. " I could not find anything," 
he said, " but I met with traces of blood. You 
had better go yourself to look for it. In the 
meantime I shall go this other way." 
[87] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Jackal soon found the killed animal, crept 
inside of it, and devoured the best portion ; but 
his tail remained outside, and when Lion ar- 
rived, he got hold of it, pulled Jackal out, 
and threw him on the ground with these words : 
" You rascal ! " 

Jackal rose quickly again, complained of the 
rough handling, and asked, " What have I now 
done, dear uncle? I was busy cutting out the 
best part." 

" Now let us go and fetch our wives," said 
Lion, but Jackal entreated his dear uncle to 
remain at the place because he was old. Jackal 
then went away, taking with him two portions 
of the flesh, one for his own wife, but the best 
part for the wife of Lion. When Jackal ar- 
rived with the flesh, the children of Lion, see- 
ing him, began to jump, and clapping their 
hands, cried out : " There comes cousin with 
flesh ! " Jackal threw, grumbling, the worst 
portion to them, and said, " There, you brood 
of the big-eyed one ! " Then he went to his own 
house and told his wife immediately to break up 
the house, and to go where the killed game was. 
[88] 



LION'S SHARE 

Lioness wished to do the same, but he forbade 
her, and said that Lion would himself come to 
fetch her. 

When Jackal, with his wife and children, 
arrived in the neighborhood of the killed ani- 
mal, he ran into a thorn bush, scratched his face 
so that it bled, and thus made his appearance 
before Lion, to whom he said, " Ah ! what a 
wife you have got. Look here, how she scratched 
my face when I told her that she should come 
with us. You must fetch her yourself; I cannot 
bring her." Lion went home very angry. Then 
Jackal said, " Quick, let us build a tower." 
They heaped stone upon stone, stone upon 
stone, stone upon stone; and when it was high 
enough, everything was carried to the top of 
it. When Jackal saw Lion approaching with 
his wife and children, he cried out to him: 

" Uncle, whilst you were away we have built 
a tower, in order to be better able to see 
game." 

" All right," said Lion ; " but let me come 
up to you." 

** Certainly, dear uncle ; but how will you 
[89] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

manage to come up? We must let down a 
thong for jou." 

Lion tied the thong around his body and 
Jackal began drawing him up, but when nearly 
to the top Jackal cried to Lion, " My, uncle, 
how heavy you are ! " Then, unseen by Lion, 
he cut the thong. Lion fell to the ground, 
while Jackal began loudly and angrily to scold 
his wife, and then said, " Go, wife, fetch me a 
new thong " — " an old one," he said aside to 
her. 

Lion again tied himself to the thong, and, 
just as he was near the top. Jackal cut the 
thong as before ; Lion fell heavily to the bot- 
tom, groaning aloud, as he had been seriously 
hurt. 

" No," said Jackal, " that will never do ; you 
must, however, manage to come up high enough 
so that you may get a mouthful at least." Then 
aloud he ordered his wife to prepare a good 
piece, but aside he told her to make a stone hot, 
and to cover it with fat. Then he drev/ Lion 
up once more, and complaining how heavy he 
was to hold, told him to open his mouth, and 
[90] 



LION'S SHARE 

thereupon threw the hot stone down his throat. 
Lion fell to the ground and lay there pleading 
for water, while Jackal climbed down and made 
his escape. 



[91] 



JACKAL'S BRIDE 

JACKAL, it is said, married Hyena, and 
carried off a eow belonging to the ants, 
to slaughter her for the wedding; and 
when he had slaughtered her, he put the cow- 
skin over his bride; and when he had fixed a 
pole (on which to hang the flesh), he placed 
on the top of the pole (which was forked) the 
hearth for the cooking, in order to cook upon it 
all sorts of delicious food. There came also 
Lion, and wished to go up. Jackal, therefore, 
asked his little daughter for a thong with which 
he could pull Lion up; and he began to pull 
him up; and when his face came near to the 
cooking-pot, he cut the thong in two, so that 
Lion tumbled down. Then Jackal upbraided 
his little daughter with these words : " Why do 
you give me such an old thong .^ " And he 
added, " Give me a fresh thong." She gave him 
a new thong, and he pulled Lion up again, and 
[92] 



JACKAL'S BRIDE 

when his face came near the pot, which stood 
on the fire, he said, " open your mouth." Then 
he put into his mouth a hot piece of quartz 
which had been boiled together with the fat, and 
the stone went down, burning his throat. Thus 
died Lion. 

There came also the ants running after the 
cow, and when Jackal saw them he fled. Then 
they beat the bride in her brookaross dress. 
Hyena, believing that it was Jackal, said: 

" You tawny rogue ! have you not played at 
beating long enough? Have you no more loving 
game than this ? " 

But when she had bitten a hole through the 
cowskin, she saw that they were other people; 
then she fled, falling here and there, yet made 
her escape. 



193} 



THE STORY OF HARE 

ONCE upon a time the animals made a 
kraal and put some fat in it. They 
agreed that one of their number 
should remain to be the keeper of the gate. The 
first one that was appointed was the coney (im- 
bila). He agreed to take charge, and all the 
others went away. In a short time the coney 
fell asleep, when the inkalimeva (a fabulous ani- 
mal) went in and ate all the fat. After doing 
this, he threw a little stone at the coney. 

The coney started up and cried out : " The 
fat belonging to all the animals has been eaten 
by the inkalimeva." 

It repeated this cry several times, calling out 
very loudly. The animals at a distance heard 
it, they ran to the kraal, and when they saw 
that the fat was gone they killed the coney. 

They put fat in the kraal a second time, 
and appointed the muishond (ingaga) to keep 
[94] 



THE STORY OF HARE 

the gate. The muishond consented, and the 
animals went away as before. After a little 
time the inkalimeva came to the kraal, bring- 
ing some honey with it. It invited the keeper 
of the gate to eat honey, and wliile the muis- 
hond was enjoying himself the inkalimeva went 
in and stole all the fat. It threw a stone at 
the muishond, which caused him to look up. 

The muishond cried out : " The fat belonging 
to all the animals has been eaten by the inkali- 
meva." 

As soon as the animals heard the cry, they 
ran to the kraal and killed the muishond. 

They put fat in the kraal a third time, and 
appointed the duiker (impunzi) to be the keeper 
of the gate. The duiker agreed, and the others 
went away. In a short time the inkalimeva made 
its appearance. It proposed to the duiker that 
they should play hide and look for. The duiker 
agreed to this. Then the inkalimeva hid it- 
self, and the duiker looked for it till he was so 
tired that he lay down and went to sleep. When 
the duiker was asleep, the inkalimeva ate up 
all the fat. 

[95] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Then it threw a stone at the duiker, which 
caused him to jump up and cry out: "The 
fat belonging to all the animals has been eaten 
by the inkalimeva." 

The animals, when they heard the cry, ran 
to the kraal and killed the duiker. 

They put fat in the kraal the fourth time, 
and appointed the bluebuck (inputi) to be the 
keeper of the gate. When the animals went 
away, the inkalimeva came as before. 

It said: " What are you doing by yourself? " 

The bluebuck answered : " I am watching the 
fat belonging to all the animals." 

The inkalimeva said : " I will be your com- 
panion. Come, let us scratch each other's 
heads." 

The bluebuck agreed to this. The inkalimeva 
sat down and scratched the head of the other 
till he went to sleep. Then it arose and ate all 
the fat. When it had finished, it threw a stone 
at the bluebuck and awakened him. 

The bluebuck saw what had happened and 
cried out : " The fat belonging to all the ani-^ 
mals has been eaten by the inkalimeva." 
[96] 



THE STORY OF HARE 

Then the animals ran up and killed the blue- 
buck also. 

They put fat in the kraal the fifth time, and 
appointed the porcupine (incanda) to be the 
keeper of the gate. The animals went away, 
and the inkalimeva came as before. 

It said to the porcupine, " Let us run a race 
against each other." 

It let the porcupine beat in this race. 

Then it said, " I did not think you could 
run so fast, but let us try again." They ran 
again, and it allowed the porcupine to beat the 
second time. They ran till the porcupine was 
so tired that he said, " Let us rest now." 

They sat down to rest, and the porcupine went 
to sleep. Then the inkalimeva rose up and ate 
all the fat. When it had finished eating, it 
threw a stone at the porcupine, which caused him 
to jump up. 

He called out with a loud voice, " The fat be- 
longing to all the animals has been eaten by the 
inkalimeva." 

Then the animals came running up and put 
the porcupine to death. 

[97] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

They put fat in the kraal the sixth time, 
and selected the hare (umvundla) to be the 
keeper of the gate. At first the hare would not 
consent. 

He said, " The coney is dead, and the muis- 
hond is dead, and the duiker is dead, and the 
bluebuck is dead, and the porcupine is dead, 
and you will kill me also." 

They promised him that they would not kill 
him, and after a good deal of persuasion he at 
last agreed to keep the gate. When the animals 
were gone he laid himself down, but he only 
pretended to be asleep. 

In a short time the inkalimeva went in, and 
was just going to take the fat when the hare 
cried out : " Let the fat alone." 

The inkalimeva said, " Please let me have 
this little bit only." 

The hare answered, mocking, " Please let me 
have this little bit only." 

After that they became companions. The 
hare proposed that they should fasten each 
other's tail, and the inkalimeva agreed. The 
inkalimeva fastened the tail of the hare first. 
[98] 



THE STORY OF HARE 

The hare said, " Don't tie mj tail so tight." 

Then the hare fastened the tail of the inkali- 
meva. 

The inkalimeva said, " Don't tie my tail so 
tight," but the hare made no answer. After 
tying the tail of the inkalimeva very fast, the 
hare took his club and killed it. The hare took 
the tail of the inkalimeva and ate it, all except 
a little piece which he hid in the fence. 

Then he called out, " The fat belonging to 
all the animals has been eaten by the inkali- 
meva." 

The animals came running back, and when 
they saw that the inkalimeva was dead they 
rejoiced greatly. They asked the hare for the 
tail, which should be kept for the chief. 

The hare replied, " The one I killed had no 
tail." 

They said, " How can an inkalimeva be with- 
out a tail.^^ " 

They began to search, and at length they 
found a piece of the tail in the fence. They 
told the chief that the hare had eaten the tail. 

He said, " Bring him to me ! " 
[99] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

All the animals ran after the hare, but he fled, 
and they could not catch him. The hare ran 
into a hole, at the mouth of which the animals 
set a snare, and then went away. The hare re- 
mained in the hole for many days, but at length 
he managed to get out without being caught. 

He went to a place where he found a bush- 
buck (imbabala) building a hut. There was a 
pot with meat in it on the fire. 

He said to the bushbuck, " Can I take this 
little piece of meat? " 

The bushbuck answered, " You must not 
do it." 

But he took the meat and ate it all. After- 
wards he whistled in a particular manner, and 
there fell a storm of hail which killed the bush- 
buck. Then he took the skin of the bushbuck, 
and made for himself a mantle. 

After this the hare went into the forest to 
procure some weapons to fight with. While he 
was cutting a stick the monkeys threw leaves 
upon him. He called to them to come down 
and beat him. They came down, but he killed 
them all with his weapons. 
[100] 



THE WHITE MAN AND SNAKE 

A WHITE MAN, it is said, met Snake 
upon whom a large stone had fallen 
. and covered her so that she could not 
rise. The White Man lifted the stone off 
Snake, but when he had done so, she wanted to 
bite him. The White Man said, " Stop ! let us 
both go first to some wise people." They went 
to Hyena, and the White Man asked him, " Is 
it right that Snake should want to bite me, 
when I helped her as she lay under a stone and 
could not rise.'^ " 

Hyena (who thought he would get his share 
of the White Man's body) said, " If you were 
bitten what would it matter .f^ " 

Then Snake wanted to bite him, but the 
White Man said again, " Wait a little, and let 
us go to other wise people, that I may hear 
whether this is right." 

They went and met Jackal. The White Man 
[101] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

said to Jackal, " Is it right for Snake to want 
to bite me, when I lifted up the stone which lay 
upon her ? " 

Jackal replied, '' I do not believe that Snake 
could be covered by a stone so she could not 
rise. Unless I saw it with my two eyes, I would 
not believe it. Therefore, come let us go and 
see the place where you say it happened whether 
it can be true." 

They went, and arrived at the place where 
it had happened. Jackal said, " Snake, lie 
down, and let thyself be covered." 

Snake did so, and the White Man covered 
her with the stone; but although she exerted 
herself very much, she could not rise. Then 
the White Man wanted again to release Snake, 
but Jackal interfered, and said, " Do not lift 
the stone. She wanted to bite you, therefore 
she may rise by herself." 

Then they both went away and left Snake 
under the stone. 



[[102] 



ANOTHER VERSION OF THE 
SAME FABLE 

A DUTCHMAN was walking by himself 
and saw Snake lying under a large 
, stone. Snake implored his help; but 
when she had become free she said, " Now I 
shall eat you." 

The Man answered, " That is not right. Let 
us first go to Hare." 

When Hare had heard the affair, he said, 
" It is right." 

" No," said the Man, " let us ask Hyena." 
Hyena declared the same, saying, " It is 
right." 

" Now let us ask Jackal," said the Man in 
his despair. 

Jackal answered very slowly and consider- 
ately, doubting the whole affair, and demanding 
to see first the place, and whether the Man was 
able to lift the stone. Snake lay down, and 
[103] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

the Man, to prove the truth of his account, put 
the stone again over her. 

When she was fast, Jackal said, " Now let 
her lie there." 



[104] 



CLOUD-EATING 

JACKAL and Hyena were together, it is 
said, when a white cloud rose. Jackal 
descended upon it, and ate of the cloud 
as if it were fat. 

When he wanted to come down, he said to 
Hyena, " My sister, as I am going to divide 
with thee, catch me well." So she caught him, 
and broke his fall. Then she also went up and 
ate there, high up on the top of the cloud. 

When she was satisfied, she said, " My grey- 
ish brother, now catch me well." The greyish 
rogue said to his friend, " My sister, I shall 
catch thee well. Come therefore down." 

He held up his hands, and she came down 
from the cloud, and when she was near. Jackal 
cried out (painfully jumping to one side), " My 
sister, do not take it ill. Oh me ! Oh me ! A 
thorn has pricked me and sticks in me." Thus 
she fell down from above, and was sadly hurt. 
[105] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Since that day, it is said that Hyena's hind 
feet have been shorter and smaller than the 
front ones. 



[106] 



LION'S ILLNESS 

LION, it is said, was ill, and they all 
went to see him in his suffering. But 
Jackal did not go, because the traces 
of the people who went to see him did not turn 
back. Thereupon, he was accused by Hyena, 
who said, " Though I go to look, yet Jackal 
does not want to come and look at the man's 
sufferings." 

Then Lion let Hyena go, in order that she 
might catch Jackal ; and she did so, and brought 
him. 

Lion asked Jackal : " Why did you not come 
here to see me ? " 

Jackal said, " Oh, no \ when I heard that 
my uncle was so very ill, I went to the witch 
(doctor) to consult him, whether and what med- 
icine would be good for my uncle against the 
pain. The doctor said to me, ' Go and tell 
your uncle to take hold of Hyena and draw 
[107] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

off her skin, and put it on while it is still warm. 
Then he will recover.' Hyena is one who does 
not care for my uncle's sufferings." 

Lion followed his advice, got hold of Hyena, 
drew the skin over her ears, whilst she howled 
with all her might, and put it on. 



[108] 



JACKAL, DOVE, AND HERON 

JACKAL, it is said, came once to Dove, 
who lived on the top of a rock, and said, 
" Give me one of your little ones." 

Dove answered, " I shall not do anything of 
the kind." 

Jackal said, " Give me it at once ! Other- 
wise, I shall fly up to you." Then she threw 
one down to him. 

He came back another day and demanded 
another little one, and she gave it to him. 
After Jackal had gone. Heron came, and asked, 
" Dove, why do you cry? " 

Dove answered him, " Jackal has taken away 
my little ones; it is for this that I cry." He 
asked her, " In what manner did he take them ^ " 
She answered him, " When he asked me I re- 
fused him ; but when he said, ' I shall at once 
fly up, therefore give me it,' I threw it down 
to him." 

[109] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Heron said, " Are you such a fool as to give 
your young ones to Jackal, who cannot fly?" 
Then, with the admonition to give no more, he 
went away. 

Jackal came again, and said, " Dove, give me 
a little one." Dove refused, and told him that 
Heron had told her that he could not fly up. 
Jackal said, " I shall catch him." 

So when Heron came to the banks of the 
water. Jackal asked him : " Brother Heron, 
when the wind comes from this side, how will you 
stand .^ " He turned his neck towards him and 
said, " I stand thus, bending my neck on one 
side." Jackal asked him again, " When a storm 
comes and when it rains, how do you stand.? " 
He said to him : " I stand thus, indeed, bending 
my neck down." 

Then Jackal beat him on his neck, and broke 
his neck in the middle. 

Since that day Heron's neck is bent. 



[110] 



COCK AND JACKAL 

COCK, it is said, was once overtaken by 
Jackal, and caught. Cock said to 
Jackal, " Please, pray first (before you 
kill me), as the white man does." 

Jackal asked, " In what manner does he 
pray.? Tell me." 

" He folds his hands in praying," said Cock. 
Jackal folded his hands and prayed. Then 
Cock spoke again : " You ought not to look 
about you as you do. You had better shut 
your eyes." He did so; and Cock flew away, 
upbraiding at the same time Jackal with these 
words, "You rogue! do you also pray?" 

There sat Jackal, speechless, because he had 
been outdone. 



[ni] 



ELEPHANT AND TORTOISE 

TWO powers, Elephant and Rain, had a 
dispute. Elephant said, " If you say 
that you nourish me, in what way is it 
that you do so ? " Rain answered, " If you 
say that I do not nourish you, when I go away, 
will you not die? " And Rain then departed. 

Elephant said, " Vulture ! cast lots to make 
rain for me." 

Vulture said, " I will not cast lots." 
Then Elephant said to Crow, " Cast lots ! " 
who answered, " Give the things with which I 
may cast lots." Crow cast lots and rain fell. 
It rained at the lagoons, but they dried up, 
and only one lagoon remained. 

Elephant went a-hunting. There was, how- 
ever. Tortoise, to whom Elephant said, " Tor- 
toise, remain at the water ! " Thus Tortoise 
was left behind when Elephant went a-hunting. 
[112] 



ELEPHANT AND TORTOISE 

There came Giraffe, and said to Tortoise, 
*' Give me water ! " Tortoise answered, " The 
water belongs to Elephant." 

There came Zebra, who said to Tortoise, 
'* Give me water ! " Tortoise answered, " The 
water belongs to Elephant." 

There came Gemsbok, and said to Tortoise, 
'' Give me water ! " Tortoise answered, " The 
water belongs to Elephant." 

There came Wildebeest, and said, " Give me 
water ! " Tortoise said, " The water belongs to 
Elephant." 

There came Roodebok, and said to Tortoise, 
" Give me water ! " Tortoise answered, " The 
water belongs to Elephant." 

There came Springbok, and said to Tortoise, 
" Give me water ! " Tortoise said, " The water 
belongs to Elephant." 

There came Jackal, and said to Tortoise, 
" Give me water ! " Tortoise said, " The water 
belongs to Elephant." 

There came Lion, and said, " Little Tortoise, 
give me water ! " When little Tortoise was 
about to say something, Lion got hold of him 
[113] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

and beat him; Lion drank of the water, and 
since then the animals drink water. 

When Elephant came back from the hunting, 
he said, " Little Tortoise, is there water? " 
Tortoise answered, " The animals have drunk 
the water." Elephant asked, " Little Tortoise, 
shall I chew you or swallow you down ? " Lit- 
tle Tortoise said, " Swallow me, if you please ! " 
and Elephant swallowed him whole. 

After Elephant had swallowed Little Tor- 
toise, and he had entered his body, he tore off 
his liver, heart, and kidneys. Elephant said, 
" Little Tortoise, you kill me." 

So Elephant died; but little Tortoise came 
out of his dead body, and went wherever he 
liked. 



[114] 



ANOTHER VERSION OF THE 
SAME FABLE 

GIRAFFE and Tortoise, they say, met 
one day. Giraffe said to Tortoise, 
" At once I could trample you to 
death." Tortoise, being afraid, remained silent. 
Then Giraffe said, " At once I could swallow 
you." Tortoise said, in answer to this, " Well, 
I just belong to the family of those whom it 
has always been customary to swallow." Then 
Giraffe swallowed Tortoise ; but when the latter 
was being gulped down, he stuck in Giraffe's 
throat, and as the latter could not get it down, 
he was choked to death. 

When Giraffe was dead. Tortoise crawled out 
and went to Crab (who is considered as the 
mother of Tortoise), and told her what had 
happened. Then Crab said: 
[115] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

" The little Crab ! I could sprinkle it under 
its arm with Boochoo,* 
The crooked-legged little one, I could sprin- 
kle under its arm." 

Tortoise answered its mother and said: 

" Have you not always sprinkled me, 
That you want to sprinkle me now? " 

Then they went and fed for a whole year on 
the remains of Giraffe. 

* (In token of approval, according to a Hottentot cus- 
tom.) 



[116] 



TORTOISES HUNTING 
OSTRICHES 

ONE day, it is said, the Tortoises held 
a council how they might hunt Os- 
triches, and they said, " Let us, on 
both sides, stand in rows near each other, and 
let one go to hunt the Ostriches, so that they 
must flee along through the midst of us." They 
did so, and as they were many, the Ostriches 
were obliged to run along through the midst 
of them. During this they did not move, but, 
remaining always in the same places, called each 
to the other, " Are you there.? " and each one 
answered, " I am here." The Ostriches hearing 
this, ran so tremendously that they quite ex- 
hausted their strength, and fell down. Then 
the Tortoises assembled by-and-by at the place 
where the Ostriches had fallen, and devoured 
them. 

[117] 



THE JUDGMENT OF BABOON 

ONE day, it is said, the following story 
happened : 
Mouse had torn the clothes of 
Itkler (the tailor), who then went to Baboon, 
and accused Mouse with these words: 

*' In this manner I come to thee : Mouse has 
torn my clothes, but will not know anything 
of it, and accuses Cat ; Cat protests likewise her 
innocence, and says, ' Dog must have done it ' ; 
but Dog denies it also, and declares Wood has 
done it; and Wood throws the blame on Fire, 
and says, ' Fire did it ' ; Fire says, ^ I have not. 
Water did it ' ; Water says, ' Elephant tore the 
clothes ' ; and Elephant says, ' Ant tore them.' 
Thus a dispute has arisen among them. There- 
fore, I, Itkler, come to thee with this proposi- 
tion : Assemble the people and try them in order 
that I may get satisfaction." 

Thus he spake, and Baboon assembled them 
[118] 



THE JUDGMENT OF BABOON 

for trial. Then they made the same excuses 
which had been mentioned by Itkler, each one 
putting the blame upon the other. 

So Baboon did not see any other way of 
punishing them, save through making them pun- 
ish each other; he therefore said, 

" Mouse, give Itkler satisfaction." 

Mouse, however, pleaded not guilty. But 
Baboon said, " Cat, bite Mouse." She did so. 

He then put the same question to Cat, and 
when she exculpated herself. Baboon called to 
Dog, " Here, bite Cat." 

In this manner Baboon questioned them all, 
one after the other, but they each denied the 
charge. Then he addressed the following words 
to them, and said, 

" Wood, beat Dog. 
Fire, burn Wood. 
Water, quench Fire. 
Elephant, drink Water. 
Ant, bite Elephant in his most tender parts." 

They did so, and since that day they cannot 
any longer agree with each other. 
[119] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Ant enters into Elephant's most tender parts 
and bites him. 

Elephant swallows Water. 

Water quenches Fire. 

Fire consumes Wood. 

Wood beats Dog. 

Dog bites Cat. 

And Cat bites Mouse. 

Through this judgment Itkler got satisfac- 
tion, and addressed Baboon in the following 
manner : 

" Yes ! Now I am content, since I have re- 
ceived satisfaction, and with all my heart I thank 
thee, Baboon, because thou hast exercised jus- 
tice on my behalf and given me redress." 

Then Baboon said, " From to-day I will not 
any longer be called Jan, but Baboon shall be 
my name." 

Since that time Baboon walks on all fours, 
having probably lost the privilege of walking 
erect through this foolish judgment. 



[120] 



LION AND BABOON 

BABOON, it is said, once worked bam- 
boos, sitting on the edge of a precipice, 
and Lion stole upon him. Baboon, 
however, had fixed some round, glistening, eye- 
like plates on the back of his head. When, 
therefore. Lion crept upon him, he thought, 
when Baboon was looking at him, that he sat 
with his back towards him, and crept with all 
his might upon him. When, however, Baboon 
turned his back towards him. Lion thought that 
he was seen, and hid himself. Thus, when Ba- 
boon looked at him, he crept upon him.* When 
he was near him Baboon looked up, and Lion 
continued to creep upon him. Baboon said 
(aside), " Whilst I am looking at him he steals 
upon me, whilst my hollow eyes are on him." 

When at last Lion sprung at him, he lay 
(quickly) down upon his face, and Lion jumped 
over him, falling down the precipice, and was 
dashed to pieces. 

* Whilst Baboon did this, Lion came close upon him. 
[121] 



THE ZEBRA STALLION 

THE Baboons, it is said, used to dis- 
turb the Zebra Mares in drinking. But 
one of the Mares became the mother 
of a foal. The others then helped her to suckle 
(the young stallion), that he might soon grow 
up. 

When he was grown up and they were in want 
of water, he brought them to the water. The 
Baboons, seeing this, came, as they formerly 
were used to do, into their way, and kept them 
from the water. 

While the Mares stood thus, the Stallion 
stepped forward, and spoke to one of the Ba- 
boons, " Thou gum-eater's child ! " 

The Baboon said to the Stallion, " Please 
open thy mouth, that I may see what thou livest 
on." The Stallion opened his mouth, and it 
was milky. 

Then the Stallion said to the Baboon, " Please 
[122] 



THE ZEBRA STALLION 

open thy mouth also, that I may see." The Ba- 
boon did so, and there was some gum in it. But 
the Baboon quickly licked some milk off the 
Stallion's tongue. The Stallion on this became 
angry, took the Baboon by his shoulders, and 
pressed him upon a hot, flat rock. Since that 
day the Baboon has a bald place on his back. 

The Baboon said, lamenting, " I, my mother's 
child, I, the gum-eater, am outdone by this milk- 
eater!" 



1128} 



WHEN LION COULD FLY 

LION, it is said, used once to fly, and 
at that time nothing could live before 
him. As he was unwilling that the 
bones of what he caught should be broken into 
pieces, he made a pair of White Crows watch 
the bones, leaving them behind at the kraal 
whilst he went a-hunting. But one day Great 
Frog came there, broke the bones in pieces, 
and said, " Why can men and animals live no 
longer? " And he added these words, " When 
he comes, tell him that I live at yonder pool ; if 
he wishes to see me, he must come there." 

Lion, lying in wait (for game), wanted to 
fly up, but found he could not fly. Then he 
got angry, thinking that at the kraal something 
was wrong, and returned home. When he ar- 
rived, he asked, " What have you done that I 
cannot fly?" Then they answered and said, 
" Some one came here, broke the bones into 
[124] 



WHEN LION COULD FLY 

pieces, and said, ' If he want me, he may look 
for me at yonder pool ! ' " Lion went, and 
arrived while Frog was sitting at the water's 
edge, and he tried to creep stealthily upon him. 
When he was about to get hold of him. Frog 
said, " Ho ! " and, diving, went to the other 
side of the pool, and sat there. Lion pursued 
him ; but as he could not catch him he returned 
home. 

From that day, it is said, Lion walked on 
his feet, and also began to creep upon (his 
game) ; and the White Crows became entirely 
dumb since the day that they said, " Nothing 
can be said of that matter." 



[125] 



LION WHO THOUGHT HIM- 
SELF WISER THAN HIS 
MOTHER 

IT is said that when Lion and Gurikhoisip 
(the Only man), together with Baboon, 
Buffalo, and other friends, were playing 
one day at a certain game, there was a thun- 
derstorm and rain at Aroxaams. Lion and 
Gurikhoisip began to quarrel. " I shall run to 
the rain-field," said Lion. Gurikhoisip said 
also, " I shall run to the rain-field." As 
neither would concede this to the other, they 
separated (angrily). After they had parted^ 
Lion went to tell his Mother those things which 
they had both said. 

His Mother said to him, " My son ! that 
Man whose head is in a line with his shoulders 
and breast, who has pinching weapons, who 
keeps white dogs, who goes about wearing the 
tuft of a tiger's tail, beware of him ! " Lion, 
[126] 



LION WISER THAN HIS MOTHER 

however, said, " Why need I be on my guard 
against those whom I know? " Lioness an- 
swered, " My Son, take care of him who 
has pinching weapons ! " But Lion would 
not follow his Mother's advice, and the same 
morning, when it was still pitch dark, he went 
to Aroxaams, and laid himself in ambush. 
Gurikhoisip went also that morning to the same 
place. When he had arrived he let his dogs 
drink, and then bathe. After they had finished 
they wallowed. Then also Man drank; and, 
when he had done drinking. Lion came out 
of the bush. Dogs surrounded him as his 
Mother had foretold, and he was speared by 
Gurikhoisip. Just as he became aware that he 
was speared, the Dogs drew him down again. 
In this manner he grew faint. While he was in 
this state, Gurikhoisip said to the Dogs, " Let 
him alone now, that he may go and be taught 
by his Mother." So the Dogs let him go. They 
left him, and went home as he lay there. The 
same night he walked towards home, but whilst 
he was on the way his strength failed him, and 
he lamented: 

[127] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

" Mother ! take me up ! 

Grandmother ! take me up ! Oh me ! Alas ! " 

At the dawn of day his Mother heard his 
wailing, and said — 

" My Son, this is the thing which I have told 
thee: 

' Beware of the one who has pinching weapons. 

Who wears a tuft of tiger's tail, 

Of him who has white dogs ! 

Alas ! thou son of her who is short-eared, 

Thou, my short-eared child ! 

Son of her who eats raw flesh, 

Thou flesh-devourer ; 

Son of her whose nostrils are red from the prey, 

Thou with blood-stained nostrils ! 

Son of her who drinks pit-w^ater. 

Thou water-drinker ! ' " 



[128] 



LION WHO TOOK A WOMAN'S 
SHAPE 

SOME Women, it is said, went out to seek 
roots and herbs and other wild food. On 
their way home they sat down and said, 
" Let us taste the food of the field." Now they 
found that the food picked by one of them 
was sweet, while that of the others was bitter. 
The latter said to each other, " Look here ! this 
Woman's herbs are sweet." Then they said to 
the owner of the sweet food, " Throw it away 
and seek for other." So she threw away the 
food, and went to gather more. When she had 
collected a sufficient supply, she returned to 
join the other Women, but could not find them. 
She went therefore down to the river, where 
Hare sat lading water, and said to him, " Hare, 
give me some water that I may drink." But 
he replied, " This is the cup out of which my 
uncle (Lion) and I alone may drink." 
[129] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

She asked again : " Hare, draw water for 
me that I may drink." But Hare made the 
same reply. Then she snatched the cup from 
him and drank, but he ran home to tell his uncle 
of the outrage which had been committed. 

The Woman meanwhile replaced the cup and 
went away. After she had departed Lion came 
down, and, seeing her in the distance, pursued 
her on the road. When she turned round 
and saw him coming, she sang in the following 
manner : 

" My mother, she would not let me seek herbs. 
Herbs of the field, food from the field. Hoo ! " 

When Lion at last came up with the Woman, 
they hunted each other round a shrub. She 
wore many beads and arm-rings, and Lion said, 
" Let me put them on ! " So she lent them to 
him, but he afterwards refused to return them 
to her. 

They then hunted each other again round 
the shrub, till Lion fell down, and the Woman 
jumped upon him, and kept him there. Lion 
(uttering a form of conjuration) said: 
[130] 



LION WHO TOOK A WOMAN'S SHAPE 

" My Aunt ! it is morning, and time to rise ; 
Pray, rise from me ! " 

She then rose from him, and they hunted 
again after each other round the shrub, till the 
Woman fell down, and Lion jumped upon her. 
She then addressed him: 

" My Uncle ! it is morning, and time to rise ; 
Pray, rise from me ! " 

He rose, of course, and they hunted each 
other again, till Lion fell a second time. When 
she jumped upon him he said: 

" My Aunt ! it is morning, and time to rise ; 
Pray, rise from me ! " 

They rose again and hunted after each other. 
The Woman at last fell down. But this time 
when she repeated the above conjuration. Lion 
said: 

" He Kha ! Is it morning, and time to rise? " 

He then ate her, taking care, however, to 

leave her skin whole, which he put on, together 

with her dress and ornaments, so that he looked 

[131] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

quite like a woman, and then went home to her 
kraaL 

When this counterfeit woman arrived, her lit- 
tle sister, crying, said, " My sister, pour some 
milk out for me." She answered, " I shall not 
pour you out any." Then the Child addressed 
their Mother : " Mama, do pour out some for 
me." The Mother of the kraal said, " Go to 
your sister, and let her give it to you ! " The 
little Child said again to her sister, " Please, 
pour out for me ! " She, however, repeated her 
refusal, saying, " I will not do it." Then the 
Mother of the kraal said to the little One, 
" I refused to let her (the elder sister) seek 
herbs in the field, and I do not know what may 
have happened; go therefore to Hare, and ask 
him to pour out for you." 

So then Hare gave her some milk; but her 
elder sister said, " Come and share it with me." 
The little Child then went to her sister with her 
bamboo (cup), and they both sucked the milk 
out of it. Whilst they were doing this, some 
milk was spilt on the little one's hand, and the 
elder sister licked it up with her tongue, the 
[132] 



LION WHO TOOK A WOMAN'S SHAPE 

roughness of which drew blood; this, too, the 
Woman licked up. 

The little Child complained to her Mother: 
" Mama, sister pricks holes in me and sucks the 
blood." The Mother said, " With what Lion's 
nature your sister went the way that I forbade 
her, and returned, I do not know." 

Now the Cows arrived, and the elder sister 
cleansed the pails in order to milk them. But 
when she approached the Cows with a thong 
(in order to tie their fore-legs), they all re- 
fused to be milked by her. 

Hare said, " Why do not you stand be- 
fore the Cow.f^ " She replied, " Hare, call your 
brother, and do you two stand before the Cow." 
Her husband said, " What has come over her 
that the Cows refuse her.? These are the same 
Cows she always milks." The Mother (of the 
kraal) said, " What has happened this evening.'* 
These are Cows which she always milks without 
assistance. What can have affected her that 
she comes home as a woman with a Lion's na- 
ture.?" 

The elder daughter then said to her Mother, 
[133] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

" I shall not milk the Cows." With these words 
she sat down. The Mother said therefore to 
Hare, " Bring me the bamboos, that I may milk. 
I do not know what has come over the girl." 

So the Mother herself milked the cows, and 
when she had done so. Hare brought the bam- 
boos to the young wife's house, where her 
husband was, but she (the wife) did not give 
him (her husband) anything to eat. But when 
at night time she fell asleep, they saw some of 
the Lion's hair, which was hanging out where 
he had slipped on the Woman's skin, and they 
cried, " Verily ! this is quite another being. It 
is for this reason that the Cows refused to be 
milked." 

Then the people of the kraal began to break 
up the hut in which Lion lay asleep. When 
they took off the mats, they said (conjuring 
them), " If thou art favourably inclined to me, 
O Mat, give the sound ' sawa ' " (meaning, mak- 
ing no noise). 

To the poles (on which the hut rested) they 
said, " If thou art favourably incHned to me, 
O Pole, thou must give the sound ' gara.' " 
[134] 



LION WHO TOOK A WOMAN'S SHAPE 

They addressed also the bamboos and the bed- 
skins in a similar manner. 

Thus gradually and noiselessly they removed 
the hut and all its contents. Then they took 
bunches of grass, put them over the Lion, and 
lighting them, said, " If thou art favourably in- 
clined to me, O Fire, thou must flare up, ' boo 
boo,' before thou comest to the heart." 

So the Fire flared up when it came towards 
the heart, and the heart of the Woman jumped 
upon the ground. The Mother (of the kraal) 
picked it up, and put it into a calabash. 

Lion, from his place in the fire, said to the 
Mother (of the kraal), " How nicely I have 
eaten your daughter." The Woman answered, 
" You have also now a comfortable place ! " 

Now the Woman took the first milk of as 
many Cows as had calves, and put it into the 
calabash where her daughter's heart was; the 
calabash increased in size, and in proportion to 
this the girl grew again inside it. 

One day, when the Mother (of the kraal) 
went out to fetch wood, she said to Hare, 
" By the time that I come back you must have 
[135] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

everything nice and clean." But during her 
Mother's absence, the girl crept out of the cala- 
bash, and put the hut in good order, as she 
had been used to do in former days, and said 
to Hare, " When Mother comes back and asks, 
' Who has done these things ? ' you must say, 
' I, Hare, did them.' " After she had done all, 
she hid herself on the stage. 

When the Mother of the kraal came home, 
she said, " Hare, who has done these things ? 
They look just as they used when my daugh- 
ter did them." Hare said, " I did the things." 
But the Mother would not believe it, and looked 
at the calabash. Seeing it was empty, she 
searched the stage and found her daughter. 
Then she embraced and kissed her, and from 
that day the girl stayed with her Mother, and 
did everything as she was wont in former times;, 
but she now remained unmarried. 



[136] 



WHY HAS JACKAL A LONG 

BLACK STRIPE ON HIS 

BACK? 

THE Sun, it is said, was one day on earth, 
and the men who were travelling saw 
him sitting by the wayside, but passed 
him without notice. Jackal, however, who came 
after them, and saw him also sitting, went to 
him and said, " Such a fine little child is left 
behind by the men." He then took Sun up, 
and put it into his awa-skin (on his back). 
When it burnt him, he said, " Get down," and 
shook himself; but Sun stuck fast to his back, 
and burnt Jackal's back black from that day. 



[137] 



HORSE CURSED BY SUN 

IT is said that once Sun was on earth, and 
caught Horse to ride it. But it was un- 
able to bear his weight, and therefore Ox 
took the place of Horse, and carried Sun on its 
back. Since that time Horse is cursed in these 
words, because it could not carry Sun's weight: 

" From to-day thou shalt have a (certain) time 

of dying. 
This is thy curse, that thou hast a (certain) 

time of dying. 
And day and night shalt thou eat, 
But the desire of thy heart shall not be at 

rest, 
Though thou grazest till morning and again 

until sunset. 
Behold, this is the judgment which I pass 

upon thee," said Sun. 

Since that day Horse's (certain) time of 
dying commenced. 

[138] 



LION'S DEFEAT 

THE wild animals, it is said, were once 
assembled at Lion's. When Lion was 
asleep, Jackal persuaded Little Fox to 
twist a rope of ostrich sinews, in order to 
play Lion a trick. They took ostrich sinews, 
twisted them, and fastened the rope to Lion's 
tail, and the other end of the rope they tied 
to a shrub. When Lion awoke, and saw that 
he was tied up, he became angry, and called 
the animals together. When they had assem- 
bled. Lion said (using this form of conjura- 
tion) — 

" What child of his mother and father's love, 
Whose mother and father's love has tied 
me.?" 

Then answered the animal to whom the ques- 
tion was first put — 

[139] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

" I, child of my mother and father's love, 
I, mother and father's love, I have not done 
it." 

All answered the same; but when he asked 
Little Fox, Little Fox said — 

" I, child of my mother and father's love, 
I, mother and father's love, have tied thee ! " 

Then Lion tore the rope made of sinews, and 
ran after Little Fox. But Jackal said: 

" My boy, thou son of lean Mrs. Fox, thou 
wilt never be caught." 

Truly Lion was thus beaten in running by 
Little Fox. 



[140] 



THE ORIGIN OF DEATH 

THE Moon, it Is said, sent once an Insect 
to Men, saying, " Go thou to Men, and 
tell them, ' As I die, and dying live, so 
ye shall also die, and dying live.' " The Insect 
started with the message, but whilst on his way 
was overtaken by the Hare, who asked : " On 
what errand art thou bound? " The Insect an- 
swered : " I am sent by the Moon to Men, to 
tell them that as she dies, and dying Kves, they 
also shall die, and dying live." The Hare said, 
" As thou art an awkward runner, let me go" 
(to take the message). With these words he 
ran off, and when he reached Men, he said, 
" I am sent by the Moon to tell you, ' As I 
die, and dying perish, in the same manner ye 
shall also die and come wholly to an end.' " 
Then the Hare returned to the Moon, and told 
her what he had said to Men. The Moon 
reproached him angrily, saying, " Darest thou 
[141] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

tell the people a thing which I have not said ? " 
With these words she took up a piece of wood, 
and struck him on the nose. Since that day 
the Hare's nose is slit. 



[142] 



ANOTHER VERSION OF THE 
SAME FABLE 

THE Moon dies, and rises to life again. 
The Moon said to the Hare, " Go thou 
to Men, and tell them, ' Like as I die 
and rise to life again, so you also shall die and 
rise to life again.' " The Hare went to the Men, 
and said, " Like as I die and do not rise to life 
again, so you shall also die, and not rise to life 
again." When he returned the Moon asked him, 
" What hast thou said? " " I have told them, 
' Like as I die and do not rise to life again, so 
you shall also die and not rise to life again.' " 
" What," said the Moon, " hast thou said 
that ? " And she took a stick and beat the Hare 
on his mo\ith, which was slit by the blow. The 
Hare fled, and is still fleeing. 



[143] 



A THIRD VERSION OF THE 
SAME FABLE 

THE Moon, on one occasion, sent the 
Hare to the earth to inform Men that 
as she (the Moon) died away and rose 
again, so mankind should die and rise again. 
Instead, however, of delivering this message as 
given, the Hare, either out of forgetfulness or 
malice, told mankind that as the Moon rose and 
died away, so Man should die and rise no more. 
The Hare, having returned to the Moon, was 
questioned as to the message delivered, and the 
Moon, having heard the true state of the case, 
became so enraged with him that she took up a 
hatchet to split his head ; falling short, however, 
of that, the hatchet fell upon the upper lip of 
the Hare, and cut it severely. Hence it is that 
we see the " Hare-lip." The Hare, being 
duly incensed at having received such treatment, 
raised his claws, and scratched the Moon's face ; 
[144] 



A THIRD VERSION OF THE FABLE 

and the dark spots which we now see on the 
surface of the Moon are the scars which she 
received on that occasion. 



[145] 



A FOURTH VERSION OF THE 
SAME FABLE 

THE Moon, they say, wished to send a 
message to Men, and the Hare said that 
he would take it. "Run, then," said the 
Moon, " and tell Men that as I die and am re- 
newed, so shall they also be renewed." But the 
Hare deceived Men, and said, *' As I die and 
perish, so shall you also." 



[146] 



A ZULU VERSION OF THE LE- 
GEND OF THE "ORIGIN OF 
DEATH " 

GOD (Unknlunkuln) arose from beneath 
(the seat of the spiritual world, ac- 
cording to the Zulu idea), and created 
in the beginning men, animals, and all things. 
He then sent for the Chameleon, and said, " Go, 
Chameleon, and tell Men that they shall not 
die." The Chameleon went, but it walked 
slowly, and loitered on the way, eating of a shrub 
called Bukwebezane. 

When it had been away some time, God sent 
the Salamander after it, ordering him to make 
haste and tell Men that they should die. The 
Salamander went on his way with this message, 
outran the Chameleon, and, arriving first where 
the Men were, told them that they must die. 

[147] 



LITERATURE 

Geschiedenis van 

Zuid Afrika Geo. McCall Theal 

Kafir Folk-lore " " " 1882 

African Native 

Literature S. W. Koelle 1854 

South African 
Folk-lore Journal 
Hottentot Fables 

and Tales W. H. I. Bleek 1864 

An expedition of 

Discovery into 

the Interior of 

Africa James Alexander 1838 

South Africa a 

Century Ago Anna Barnard 1901 

[148] 



LITERATURE 




An account of 






travels into the 






interior of 






South Africa 


John Barrow 


1802 


Travels in South 






Africa 


John Campbell 


1816 


The Childhood of 






Man 


Leo Frobenius 


1909 


Travels and Ad- 






venture in East- 






ern Africa 


Nathaniel Isaacs 


1836 


Narrative of Dis- 






covery and Ad- 






venture in Af- 






rica 


Jameson, etc. 


1830 


Voyage dans ITn- 






terieur de I'Af- 






rique 


F. Le Vaillant 


1796 


Missionary Trav- 






els and Re- 






searches in 






South Africa 


D. Livingstone 


1858 


Scenes in Africa 


Capt. Marry at 


1851 



[149] 



SOUTH-AFRICAN FOLK-TALES 

Missionary Labors 
and Scenes in 



South Africa 


R. Moffat 


1845 


A New Gazetteer 






of the Asia, 






Africa, etc., 






Continents 


J. Morse 


1802 


South African Na- 


S. A. Native Races 




tive Races 


Committee 


1909 


Researches into 






the Physical 






History of 






Mankind 


J. C. Prichard 


1841 


Memorials of 






South Africa 


B. Shaw 


1841 


Wanderings and 






Adventures in 






the Interior of 






South Africa 


A. Stedman 


1835 


Notes on the 






Bushmen 


E. & D. Bleek 


1909 


Africa 


K. Johnston 


1878 



[150] 



LITERATURE 

A Voyage to the 

Cape of Good 

Hope 
Travels in South 

Africa 
The Dwarfs of 

Mount Atlas 
The Native Races 

of South Africa G. W. Stow 
Description du 

Cap de Bonne 

Esperance Pierre Kolbe 

Specimens of Dia- 
lects John Clarke 



A. Sparrmann 1785 

Henry Lichtenstein 1800 

R. G. Haliburton 1891 

1905 

1741 
1849 



[151] 



fe^t^-V (kj U&l^W 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



